Muhammad Hussain — Review by Mark Wiens
Delhi, India — Indian fried chicken
Muhammad Hussain in Old Delhi serves India's most famous fried chicken, featuring a signature triple-frying technique that creates an exceptionally crispy exterior. The chicken is marinated in thick masala, fried three times with joint dislocation between fries, then coated in a secret masala spice blend and served with chutney and onions. The reviewer was thoroughly impressed with the crispy texture and bold flavors.
What was great: Crispy fried chicken with unique triple-frying technique, flavorful masala marinade, secret masala spice blend, delicious chutney and onions
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of Muhammad Hussain is their legendary fried chicken, a dish that has earned the restaurant its famous reputation since 1975. The chicken begins its journey in a thick masala marinade that infuses it with bold, aromatic spices. What sets this preparation apart is the remarkable triple-frying technique - after the initial fry, the chicken is removed from the oil and all joints are carefully dislocated, a maneuver that allows oil to penetrate the meat more effectively. The chicken then returns to the oil for a second fry, and incredibly, a third fry to achieve an extreme level of crispiness. Once perfectly cooked, the chicken is generously showered with their secret masala spice blend, adding layers of flavor and heat. It arrives at the table accompanied by fresh chutney and sliced onions that provide cooling contrast to the spiced chicken.
The Experience
Located in the historic Old Delhi neighborhood, Muhammad Hussain offers an authentic experience steeped in tradition. The restaurant has been perfecting its craft for nearly 50 years, and the expertise shows in every detail of the preparation and service. The casual, no-frills atmosphere is typical of Old Delhi's street food culture, where the focus remains entirely on the quality and execution of the food.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the review, the experience appears to offer excellent value given the specialized preparation technique and the restaurant's legendary status among locals and food enthusiasts.
Notable Moments
The chicken starts in a thick masala marinade, and then it's deep fried in a huge jacuzzi. After the first fry, then they take the chicken out and do this maneuver where they dislocate all the joints. Then it goes back into the oil and it fries for a second time to get even crispier. And then they even fry it for a third time for extreme crispy before it's ready to eat.
The reviewer's enthusiasm is evident throughout, with exclamations of 'Delicious,' 'this is awesome,' and calling the chicken 'the legend.'
The Verdict
Muhammad Hussain is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Indian fried chicken in Delhi. This restaurant represents decades of perfected technique and secret recipes that justify its reputation as India's king of fried chicken. It's best for adventurous food lovers who appreciate traditional preparations and aren't afraid of bold, spiced flavors.