Aurangabad is famed for its food history, which is deeply intertwined with the Mughal culinary history which left an indelible mark on the region's cuisine. During the Mughal era, Aurangabad served as an important centre of administration and culture and naturally, the Mughal rulers brought with them a refined culinary tradition characterized by rich flavors and aromatic spices. They introduced various delicacies such as biryanis, kebabs and curries which became integral parts of Aurangabadi cuisine.
One of the most iconic dishes influenced by the Mughals is the Aurangabadi Naan Khaliya, a flavourful lamb stew cooked in a thick gravy infused with spices. Another popular dish is the Tahri, a fragrant rice dish similar to biryani, which shows the Mughal influence on Aurangabad's culinary landscape. Besides these two classic numbers, there are plenty of famous foods which are un-missable. Let’s look at some of the most famous foods of Aurangabad.
Naan Qaliya
One of the most famous dishes of Aurangabad, the origin of this Mughal dish dates back to the 14th century; it’s believed that it was in the court of Emperor Aurangzeb that this dish was first made. It’s usually a flavourful and robust gravy infused with aromatic spices such as cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves that is cooked for hours to perfect its flavour. What sets Naan Qalia apart is its unique preparation method, where the meat is cooked in a clay pot over a wood fire, imparting a distinct smoky flavour. It features tender pieces of lamb or mutton and it’s usually served alongside a fluffy naan which can soak up the velvety gravy of the curry.
Recommendation: Bismillah Naan Qaliya House
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 180-250
Sheermal
Sheermal is a traditional sweet bread that holds a special place in Aurangabad's culinary tradition. Made from refined flour, milk, sugar, and saffron, this rich and fragrant bread is baked to perfection, resulting in a soft, slightly sweet delicacy. Sheermal is often enjoyed with spicy curries or paired with creamy desserts like Shahi Tukda, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. Its luscious texture and subtle sweetness make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
Recommendation: Haji Nadeem Shahi Sheermal
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 75-200
Bhalla Tikki Chhole
If you’re ever in Aurangabad and torn between dahi bhalle and a chaat, the choice would be really easy for you, as the town offers some of the best Bhalla tikki chhole, which is essentially a fun rendition of a dahi bhaalla chaat. It features a soft and spongy lentil bhalla and crisp aloo tikki, both of which are broken into sizeable bite-sized pieces, and served with spicy and tangy chickpea curry (chole). The dish is garnished with yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Recommendation: Bhalla Chaat Centre
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-100
Tahri
Aurangabad is one of the few cities in India where tahri is readily available year-round. Tahri, also known as Tehri, is a vegetarian rice dish that originated in the kitchens of Aurangabad. Similar to biryani, Tahri is prepared by cooking fragrant basmati rice with an assortment of vegetables or meat, along with aromatic spices such as cumin, turmeric, and bay leaves. For the best tahri in Aurangabad, head to the older parts of the town or explore roadside shops near Roshan Gate.
Recommendation: Maryam Tahari House
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 150-300
Khawa Jalebi
Aurangabad is famous for its syrupy, brown khawa jalebis which are more indulgent than regular jalebis. It's a variation of the classic jalebi, but with a twist. Instead of being soaked in regular sugar syrup, Khawa Jalebi is immersed in a rich, creamy mixture of khawa and is infused with saffron and cardamom. This gives the jalebi a distinctive creamy texture and a luxurious flavor profile. The jalebis are fried to a perfect crisp and then dunked into the aromatic khawa syrup, creating a dessert that's indulgent and aromatic.
Recommendation: Maharashtra Jalebi Bhajiye Center
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-80
Sutarfeni
Sutarfeni is a one-of-a-kind sweet treat that was bought to India by travelling merchants during the Mughal period. Made from shredded, flaky dough, this delicate dessert is fried to perfection and then soaked in a sugar syrup infused with rose water and cardamom. The shredded base takes some time and only skillful sweet makers can get perfect its classic texture. Sutarfeni is often garnished with chopped nuts like pistachios and almonds.
Recommendation: Uttam Mithai Bhandar
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 100-200
Kohinoor Paan
This cult paan has been popular in the city for half a century. And believe it or not, it costs Rs 3,000! This paan has made headlines several times for its price and for the ingredients it features. This paan, which is only found at Usmanpura’s Tara Pan Centre is made with a special type of kasturi which is said to cost Rs 70 lakh per kg! Moreover, it also has a special saffron which costs Rs 2 lakh per kg, rose petals which are priced upwards of Rs 80,000 per kilo and a fragrant syrup which is sourced from West Bengal. Despite its price, the paan has achieved a cult status in the city and is a hot-seller.
Recommendation: Tara pan Centre
Type: Vegetarian