Chicken Tikka in Connaught Place: What Makes It Worth the Trip (and How to Order It Right)
Almost everyone in Delhi has a chicken tikka story. Maybe it was a late-night plate after a movie, or a first-salary dinner with friends. Maybe it was the smoky platter that came out just as the rain started.
Here’s the thing, though. Ordering chicken tikka in Connaught Place is easy, but getting a good plate is not. CP has dozens of places, and the same dish can taste completely different from one to the next. Some plates arrive juicy, deeply spiced and kissed with fire. Others come dry, bright red and strangely sweet.
This guide will help you tell the difference. We’ll look at what real tikka should taste like, how it differs from similar dishes, what to pair it with, and what a sensible meal costs in the heart of Delhi.
What Is Chicken Tikka, Really?
“Tikka” simply means a small piece or chunk. Chicken tikka is boneless chicken, marinated in yogurt and spices, threaded on skewers and cooked in a very hot clay oven called a tandoor.
People often mix it up with other dishes, so a quick comparison helps:
- Chicken tikka vs tandoori chicken: Tikka uses boneless pieces, so it cooks fast and stays tender. Tandoori chicken is bone-in (legs and thighs), which gives a different, more rustic bite.
- Chicken tikka vs murgh malai tikka: Classic tikka is bold and spicy. Malai tikka is made with cream and cheese, so it’s milder and softer. It suits kids and anyone who dislikes heat.
- Chicken tikka vs butter chicken: Butter chicken is a gravy dish, and the tikka is often the starting point for it. You eat tikka as a starter and butter chicken with naan or rice.
Once you know these differences, ordering at any CP restaurant gets much easier.
The Marinade Is Where the Magic Happens
Smoke is only half the story. The marinade decides whether your tikka is memorable or forgettable.
A well-made marinade usually works in two steps. First, the chicken rests in lemon juice, salt and ginger-garlic paste. That wakes up the flavour and starts breaking the meat down. Then comes the thick, hung-curd marinade with red chilli, garam masala, a little mustard oil and sometimes kasuri methi. Giving it enough time to rest, often several hours, lets the spices go deep instead of sitting on the surface.
Then the tandoor does its job. The high heat chars the edges fast and locks in the juices. That’s why home-cooked tikka, however good, rarely tastes quite like the restaurant version. The oven makes a real difference.
How to Spot Good Chicken Tikka Before You Eat It
You don’t need any special training. Your eyes and your first bite will tell you most of it:
- Colour: Look for a deep, uneven red-brown with some dark charred edges. A very bright, uniform red usually means heavy food colouring.
- Juiciness: Press a piece gently. It should feel tender, not stiff. Dry, stringy tikka has been overcooked or left sitting.
- Aroma: You should smell smoke and spices first, not just oil.
- Accompaniments: Fresh green chutney, sliced onions and a lemon wedge are small things, but they show care.
- Temperature: Tikka is at its best straight off the skewer. If it arrives lukewarm, the kitchen is probably rushing.
Where to Eat Chicken Tikka in CP: Our Pick
If you’re searching for the best chicken tikka in CP without paying heavy “CP prices”, Pishori Dhaba is a good place to start. It sits at H-8, Ground Floor, Connaught Place, on the Gauri Palika Bazaar side of H-Block, and the focus is on honest North Indian and Mughlai food in a relaxed dhaba-style setting.
The chicken tikka here comes as 6 pieces for ₹395, served with crunchy onion rings and green chutney. If you want to explore beyond the classic, the tandoor section has a few other ways to enjoy chicken:
| Dish | Portion | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tikka | 6 pcs | ₹395 |
| Murgh Malai Tikka | 6 pcs | ₹395 |
| Chicken Lahsuni | 6 pcs | ₹395 |
| Arsalan Chicken Tikka | – | ₹425 |
| Chicken Seekh Kebab | 6 pcs | ₹375 |
| Tandoori Chicken | Half / Full | ₹295 / ₹525 |
Prices are as listed on the website at the time of writing. Taxes apply, and prices can change.
What to Order Alongside Your Tikka
A plate of tikka is a great start, but a full meal needs balance. Here’s how most people order:
- For a light meal: Chicken tikka, a bowl of mix raita and a couple of tandoori rotis.
- For a proper dinner: Share a plate of tikka, then add Chicken Tikka Butter Masala or Butter Chicken with butter naan or lachha paratha.
- For a group: Go for the Tandoori Non-Veg Platter. It gives everyone a taste of tikka, kebabs and more, and it keeps the table sharing.
- For mixed company: Order Chicken Tikka and Murgh Malai Tikka together. One brings the spice, the other brings the cream, and everyone finds a favourite.
A squeeze of lemon and a few rings of lachha onion on top lifts the flavour. It’s a small habit, but it works.
Is Chicken Tikka in Connaught Place Expensive?
Not necessarily. CP has a reputation for high bills, and some places do earn it. But if you choose well, you can still find restaurants in CP under ₹800 for two.
A simple, realistic plan at Pishori Dhaba could be one plate of chicken tikka (₹395), a shared dal or curry, and two or three breads, which start from about ₹35. Keep the drinks simple and you’ll stay close to that budget. Larger groups and heavier curries will naturally push the bill up, so it helps to decide your order before you sit down.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: H-8, Ground Floor, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110001
- Timings: Open daily, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Nearest metro: Rajiv Chowk. It’s the easiest way to reach CP, since parking is a real struggle.
- Reservations and orders: Call +91 92205 52537
Weekend evenings get busy, so arriving a little early or calling ahead saves waiting time. If you’d like to see everything else on offer, take a look at the full menu. If you’re curious about the bigger tandoor picture, our guide to what to order at a tandoori place in CP covers it.
Common Questions About Chicken Tikka
What is the difference between chicken tikka and tandoori chicken?
Chicken tikka uses boneless pieces and cooks quickly. Tandoori chicken uses bone-in pieces and has a chewier, more rustic texture.
Is chicken tikka spicy?
Classic tikka has a medium kick. If you want something gentler, go for Murgh Malai Tikka, which is creamy and mild.
How many pieces come in one plate?
At Pishori Dhaba, one plate has 6 pieces, which is enough for one hungry person or two people sharing a starter.
Is chicken tikka healthy?
It’s grilled, not deep-fried, so it’s generally lighter than many fried starters. The marinade and portion size still matter, so enjoy it in moderation.
What goes best with chicken tikka?
Green chutney, lachha onions, lemon and a warm tandoori roti or naan.
Final Thoughts
Great chicken tikka in Connaught Place comes down to a few simple things: a patient marinade, a really hot tandoor and food that reaches your table fresh. Look for char, juiciness and a clean smoky smell, and you’ll rarely be disappointed.
When you’re ready to try it yourself, Pishori Dhaba at H-8, Connaught Place is open every day from 12 PM to 11 PM. Order the tikka while it’s hot, squeeze a little lemon on top, and enjoy.