
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originated in Chennai, India. It is believed that the dish was created in 1965 by A.M. Buhari, the founder of the Buhari Hotel chain. There are several theories about the origin of the name Chicken 65. One popular theory suggests that it was the 65th item on the menu at Buhari Hotel, and soldiers who frequented the hotel started calling it by that name due to a language barrier. Another theory claims that the dish was invented in 1965, giving it the name Chicken 65. The dish is typically made with boneless chicken pieces, marinated with spices, and deep-fried to create a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It is often served as an appetizer or snack and has become a popular dish in India and around the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hotel Buhari, Chennai, India |
| Inventor | A.M. Buhari |
| Year invented | 1965 |
| Dish type | Appetizer/snack |
| Dish characteristics | Deep-fried, spicy, boneless |
| Dish ingredients | Chicken, red chillies, curry leaves, green chillies, ginger, garlic, masala sauce, flour, spices, yogurt, egg |
| Dish variants | Chicken 78, Chicken 82, Chicken 90, Paneer 65, Gobhi 65 |
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What You'll Learn

The dish was item number 65 on the menu at Buhari Hotel
There are several theories about the origin of the name "Chicken 65". One popular belief is that the dish was item number 65 on the menu at Buhari Hotel in Chennai, India. The hotel was located near a military cantonment area, and non-Tamil military folks who frequented the hotel ordered the 65th item on the menu because they couldn't pronounce its name. Thus, the dish became known as "Chicken 65".
Another theory suggests that the dish was created in 1965 by A.M. Buhari, the founder of Buhari Hotel, and was originally served as a simple meal for Indian soldiers returning home. The year of its creation, 1965, is believed to be the reason for the number "65" in the dish's name.
Some people also claim that the dish was named after the 65 chillies used in the recipe, symbolising the 65 days it took for the chicken to mature. Others suggest that the chicken was chopped into 65 pieces or was 65 days old when used in the dish, but these theories are considered far-fetched.
Chicken 65 is a deep-fried chicken dish that has become a staple in Indian cuisine and can be found in almost every Indian restaurant. It is known for its spicy, crispy, and juicy flavour profile, with a blend of chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices. The dish is usually made with boneless chicken pieces and served with an onion and lemon garnish. It can be served as an appetiser, a side dish, or a snack and has gained popularity across India and worldwide.
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It was invented in 1965 by A.M. Buhari
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originated from Hotel Buhari in Chennai, India. The dish was invented by A.M. Buhari in 1965 and was introduced to the menu of the Buhari Hotel chain in the state of Tamil Nadu. Over time, the dish gained immense popularity, leading to the creation of several variations, including "Paneer 65" and "Gobhi 65", as well as subsequent chicken dishes named after the year of their invention, such as Chicken 78, 82, and 90.
The exact reason for the name "Chicken 65" has sparked various theories. One of the most prevalent theories is that the dish was the 65th item on the menu, and non-locals, particularly non-Tamil military folks who frequented the hotel, began calling it "65 Chicken" due to their inability to pronounce its original name. This theory is supported by the fact that the hotel was located near a military cantonment area, making it a convenient spot for soldiers to dine.
Another account suggests that Chicken 65 was created as a simple meal for Indian soldiers in 1965, coinciding with the dish's introduction in that year. This narrative adds a historical context to the dish's origin, implying that it gained popularity among soldiers before spreading more broadly.
Some people also speculate that the name could be related to the preparation or ingredients of the dish. For instance, it is suggested that the chicken was chopped into 65 pieces or marinated for 65 days, hence the name. However, these theories are often considered myths by those familiar with the dish, who assert that it is simply chicken marinated with spices and deep-fried, without any intricate cutting or lengthy marination processes.
Regardless of the exact origin of its name, Chicken 65 has become a well-loved dish across India and beyond. It is known for its crispy texture, spicy flavours attributed to red chillies, and the flexibility it offers in terms of ingredients and serving options. Whether enjoyed as a snack, an entrée, or with roomali roti, Chicken 65 remains a popular choice for food enthusiasts, leaving a lasting impact almost six decades after its invention.
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It was named after the 65 chillies in the recipe
There are many theories about the origin of the name "Chicken 65", and one of them is that it was named so because of the 65 chillies in the recipe. This theory is supported by the fact that red chillies are a key ingredient in the dish, giving it its signature spicy flavour.
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originated in Chennai, India, and was invented by A.M. Buhari, the founder of Hotel Buhari, in 1965. The dish is said to have been created as a welcome meal for Indian soldiers returning home. It is typically made with boneless chicken pieces that are marinated with a blend of spices, including chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves, and then deep-fried to achieve a crispy exterior.
The use of 65 chillies in the original recipe could have been symbolic. One theory suggests that the 65 chillies represented the 65 days it took for the chicken to mature. This theory adds a layer of cultural significance to the dish, indicating that the preparation and ageing of the chicken were considered essential to its flavour and quality.
While the exact number of chillies used in the original recipe may be debated, it is clear that chillies are a key ingredient in Chicken 65. The dish is known for its spicy flavour profile, and chillies are prominently featured in both the marinade and the final preparation. The specific type of chilli used can vary, with some recipes calling for red chilli powder, while others use fresh green chillies, blistered in hot oil.
In addition to the chillies, the dish includes a variety of spices and aromatics, such as ginger, garlic, black pepper, cumin, and curry leaves. These ingredients come together to create a complex and flavourful dish that has become a staple in Indian cuisine, enjoyed by people all over the world.
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The chicken was cut into 65 pieces
There are many theories about the origin of the name "Chicken 65", a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish from India. One of the most popular beliefs is that it was invented in 1965 by A.M. Buhari, the founder of Hotel Buhari in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is said that the dish was created as a welcome meal for Indian soldiers returning home. The hotel still serves Chicken 65, along with other variations like Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90.
While the above is the most widely accepted version, there are several other interesting theories about why the dish is called Chicken 65. One such theory claims that the chicken was cut into 65 pieces. This idea, however, is considered far-fetched by some. Another story suggests that the dish was named after its position on the menu of the Buhari Hotel. It is said that the dish was listed as item number 65, and soldiers who frequented the hotel, unable to pronounce its original name, started calling it Chicken 65. Over time, the name stuck.
Chicken 65 is a beloved dish in India and has gained popularity worldwide. It is known for its juicy, spicy flavour and crispy texture. The dish is typically made with boneless chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices, including chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and curry leaves. It is then deep-fried and served as an appetizer or snack, often accompanied by an onion and lemon garnish.
The exact recipe for Chicken 65 can vary, and home cooks and restaurants alike have created their own versions of this classic dish. While the ingredients and preparation methods may differ slightly, the key to achieving the signature taste and texture of Chicken 65 lies in the balance of spices and the crispy exterior of the fried chicken. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a snack, Chicken 65 has become a staple in Indian cuisine and a favourite among food lovers around the globe.
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It was created for Indian soldiers in 1965
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that originated in Chennai, India. It is typically served as an entrée or quick snack, and is made using boneless chicken, usually served with an onion and lemon garnish. The dish is known for its red chillies, but the exact ingredients can vary. Vegetarian versions of the dish include "Paneer 65" or "Gobhi 65", which use paneer or cauliflower instead of chicken.
The dish was created by A. M. Buhari, the founder of the Buhari Hotel chain, in 1965. It is said that Chicken 65 was invented as a simple meal for Indian soldiers returning home that year. One story claims that the soldiers were presented with a long menu, and this dish was listed as item number 65. Since there was a language barrier, associating the dish with the number was the easiest way for the soldiers to remember it.
The Buhari Hotel still serves Chicken 65, alongside other variations such as Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90. The dish has become extremely popular in India, with several versions of it available across the country, varying in spice levels, texture, and flavours. It is often served as a starter or with roomali roti.
Chicken 65's popularity has led to various myths about its origins and name. One such myth is that the dish contains 65 chilli peppers, meant to symbolise the 65 days it took for the chicken to mature. Another myth is that the chicken was cut into 65 pieces or was 65 days old. However, the most widely accepted version is that the dish was invented in 1965, and the number in its name reflects that.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken 65 was invented in 1965 by A.M. Buhari, founder of the Buhari Hotel chain in Chennai, India.
One theory suggests that the dish was item number 65 on the Buhari Hotel menu. Another theory suggests that the dish was made with 65 chillies to symbolise the 65 days it took for the chicken to mature.
Chicken 65 is a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish. It is usually made with boneless chicken pieces, marinated with flour, spices, yogurt, egg, and curry leaves. It is often served as an appetiser or snack.











































