Lucknow is famous for its melt-in-mouth kebabs and why not? Food has always been a priority for the Awadhis in Lucknow. The kebabs of Awadh are renowned for their unique taste and preparation. And while the recipes of all the legendary Lucknow kebabs continue to be a well-kept secret, the iconic kebab shops still stand sturdy with their authentic taste and original structure. Treat yourself to these legendary kebabs on your next trip to Lucknow.
1. Galawati Kebabs
Galouti or galawati means ‘extremely soft’ something that melts in the mouth. Haji Mohammad Fakr-e-Alam Saheb, the creator of the popular Moti Pulao, created galaouti kebab, and offered the world this creamy, silky, mouth-watering delicacy. He used finely-minced lambs along with a heavenly mix of over 150 exotic spices to get the lip-smacking flavour. The minced meat was then moulded into patties and fried for a delectable dish.
Where: Tunday Kababi, Aminabad, and Chowk, Lucknow
2. Shami Kebabs
Shami kebabs are prepared with finely-ground meat, chana dal, and a premium blend of spices and herbs to give that distinctive flavour. Shami kebabs are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are best accompanied with paper-thin roomali rotis alongside onions and green chutney.
Where: Sakhawat Restaurant, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow
Also read: Restaurant Style At Home Ep 17: Ghost Galouti Kebabs From Mumbai’s Butler & The Bayleaf
3. Kakori Kebabs
Forget Lucknow’s tunday kebabs and try kakori kebabs instead. A popular story suggests that at a party organised by an Awadhi aristocrat, a British official complained about the coarse texture of seekh kebabs. Irritated by this, the aristocrat ordered his staff to improve the texture of seekh kebabs, and that’s how kakori kebabs were invented. Interestingly, mangoes are used to soften the meat.
Where: Naushijaan, Tulsi Theatre Building, Lucknow.
4. Boti Kebabs
Boti kebabs are minute pieces of skewered lamb that are marinated in a mix of spices and yoghurt then cooked in a tandoor. These kebabs are best eaten with Mughlai parathas, Your best bet to try the boti kebabs out is Dastarkhwan, a short walk from the Parivartan Chowk.
Where: Dastarkhwan, 29, BN Road, Lalbagh, Lucknow.
Also read: From Seekh Kebab To Malai Kebabs, 10 Best Kebabs In Abu Dhabi That You Have To Try
5. Pasanda Kebabs
Pasanda is another delicious variety of kebab that is cooked with marinated pieces of mutton and slow-cooked in a thick gravy. Pasanda kebabs are extremely soft in texture and served with kulchas. We have heard great things about the Mutton Pasanda at Mubeen’s, an iconic Old Lucknow eatery that serves this dish with a generous sprinkling of chaat masala.
Where: Mubeen’s, Chowk, Lucknow
6. Tunday Kebabs
When we are talking about food in Lucknow, the first delicacy that comes to our mind is the legendary tunday kebab. Tunday Kebabi in Lucknow serves one of the best kebabs made using a special spice recipe. The recipe is guarded by the original cook’s descendants and therefore, this is the only place where you can taste the most authentic tunday kebabs. Here Are 6 Best Dishes To Try In Lucknow Apart From The Legendary Lucknowi Biryani.
Where: Tunday Kababi, Aminabad, and Chowk, Lucknow
Also, do not miss out on the juicy ghutwa or majlisi kebab.