FAMOUS KEBABS IN LUCKNOW

Come, join us on our culinary journey as we move on to the next leg of our Lucknow food trail. So, let’s dive once more into the land of tehzeeb, intricate artistry, and rich culinary history consisting of novelty Awadhi delicacies including parathas, biryani, and of course the famous kebabs in Lucknow.

Kebabs have enjoyed the world over in a variety of ways, as part of the daily meal with oven-cooked bread or enjoyed as snacks to set off the evening revelries. What is common is that kebabs are usually made from minced or chopped up meat of different variety and special blends of herbs and spices that vary from country to country, region to region. After all, this is the land of the Nawabs and their culture that exemplifies aadaab (respect), shabab (beauty) and kebab.

The introduction of kebabs in Lucknow to attributed to the first Shia Nawab of Awadh Sadat Ali Khan. Back then kebabs were merely the day’s hunt, chopped, marinated, and cooked over a fire. Over the years, as Awadhi cuisine developed, so did the kebabs in Lucknow with the creation of melt-in-your-mouth delicacies like Galouti Kebabs and more.

The kebabs of Awadh are renowned for their uniques taste as well as the unusual ways in which they are cooked. A staple feature of the rich hospitality that the city is known for; guests are welcomed in the typical Lakhnawi style urging them to feel at home; aaiye, baithiye aur kahiye and after a heavy, satisfying meal, zara aaram farmaiye.

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So, here’s a list of the famous kebabs in Lucknow we discovered on the Lucknow food trail:

1. Galouti Kebabs

The word “Galouti” means melt in your mouth and these kebabs live up to their name, melting in your mouth while releasing the flavour of well-cooked meat and whole spices. You can either try these melt-in-your-mouth delights with Mughlai Paratha and Sheermal or enjoy them on their own with some thinly-sliced onions and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

Where: Tunday Kababi, Aminabad and Chowk, Lucknow.

2. Shami Kebabs 

These round kebabs are made with finely-ground meat, chana dal and a premium blend of herbs and spices. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside these circular disks offer you great flavour and different textures. They taste best on their own or wrapped in paper-thin Roomali Roti alongside onions and green chutney of course.

 Where: Sakhawat Restaurant, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow.

3. Seekh and Kakori Kebabs

Another Laknawi delicacy, Seekh Kebabs are a must-try for anyone who comes to Lucknow. The meat is well-minced and marinated before being shaped into long kebabs on skewers and being cooked over live coal. A counterpart of the Seekh Kebab, Kakori Kebabs have a history of their own. Local stories state that these Kebabs were created for Begum who had lost all her teeth, yet wished to savour the tastes of well-spiced kebabs. True to their purpose, these kebabs are made of finely-ground meat that is cooked over live fire and is so delicate that it must even be lifted with care while eating.

So, if you’re searching for gourmet delights on the Lucknow food trail, make sure you try these little meaty cylinders of great flavour.

 Where: Naushijaan, Tulsi Theatre Building, Lucknow.

4. Boti Kebab

An unconventional kebab, this gravy preparation consists of tiny yet satisfying chunks of mutton cooked in a rich gravy till they become tender and juicy. A heavy concoction, this dish often contains pieces of liver and regular meat that transport you to culinary heaven. These kebabs are eaten with Mughlai Parathas or even enjoyed as fillings in rich Mughlai Paratha rolls that can be enjoyed on the go.

 Where: Dastarkhwan, 29, BN Road, Lalbagh, Lucknow.

5. Pasanda Kebabs

Another deviation from traditional kebabs, Pasanda is another gravy dish cooked with marinated pieces of either buff or mutton that are slow-cooked in a thick gravy till they become incredibly soft and are served with kulchas. Try the Mutton Pasanda at Mubeen’s, an iconic Old Lucknow eatery that serves these delicacies with a generous sprinkling of chaat masala.

 Where: Mubeen’s, Chowk, Lucknow.

6. Tunday Kebabs

How about a kebab so famous that it takes its name from the original one-armed cook? Tunday Kababi serves one of the best kebabs in Lucknow, made using a special spice recipe that is zealously guarded by the original cook’s descendants even as they carry on his legacy of great taste.

That’s not all, this place serves all varieties of Kebabs including Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebab, Kakori Kebabs, Galouti Kebabs, Seekh Kebabs, and their signature dish, Patili-ke-Kebabs, all of which

Where: Tunday Kababi, Aminabad and Chowk, Lucknow.

7. Ghutwa or Majlisi Kebab

Another unique variety of kebabs, Ghutwa or Majlisi Kebabs are made from minced meat that is marinated in spices and herbs and cooked in delicious dry gravy. Either served as meatballs or a delicious minced meat paste, trying these meaty delights must be a part of everyone’s Lucknow food trail.

Where: Naushijaan, Tulsi Theatre Building, Lucknow.

Honorary Mentions:

• Bun-Kebab-Kareem’s, Chowk, Lucknow.
• Fish Kebabs, Sakhawat’s Restaurant, Lucknow. 

So, which is your favourite kebab in Lucknow? Share it with us on Instagram and Facebook @MyYellowPlate