Rampur, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India, is known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The town has been home to the Nawabs of Rampur, who were renowned for their exquisite taste in food and patronage of the arts. The royal heritage of Rampur cuisine has been passed down from one generation to the next, and today it is considered one of the most unique and refined cuisines in India.
The erstwhile princely state of Rampur was ruled by the Nawabs, who were known for their lavish lifestyle and love for food, which led to the development of a rich culinary tradition in Rampur. The cuisine of Rampur is a fusion of Indian, Persian, and Central Asian influences, and it is characterised by its delicate flavours, aromatic spices, and intricate cooking techniques. This cuisine is also a blend of Mughlai and Awadhi flavours, with a touch of local ingredients and spices.
The Nawabs used to have extravagant feasts that included a variety of dishes, from kebabs and biryanis to curries and desserts. The use of aromatic spices, slow cooking techniques, and a combination of sweet and savoury flavours characterises Rampur-i cuisine. One of the signature dishes is the Rampuri kebab, which is made with finely minced lamb, marinated with a blend of spices, and grilled over charcoal. The kebab is soft, juicy, and melts in your mouth, making it a favourite among food lovers. Another famous dish is the Rampuri mutton biryani, which is made with long-grain basmati rice, tender mutton, and a blend of aromatic spices.
In addition to its dishes, Rampur is also known for its tea-drinking culture. The town is home to a number of tea shops that serve a variety of teas, including the famous Rampuri chai. This tea is made with a blend of black tea and a variety of spices, including cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon, which is sort of similar to masala chai. The tea is then sweetened with sugar and served with a side of savoury snacks, such as samosas or pakoras. The royal heritage of Rampur cuisine is not only famous in India but has also gained popularity around the world.
Here are the top ten dishes to try from Rampuri cuisine:
Rampuri Korma
A rich and creamy dish made with mutton or chicken, yogurt, and a variety of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and saffron. It is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Galouti Kebab
These kebabs are made with finely minced mutton that is marinated with papaya, spices, and herbs. The kebabs are then cooked on a griddle with desi ghee, resulting in a soft and juicy texture.
Rampuri Biryani
This biryani is a unique blend of aromatic and flavourful spices, meat, and rice. It is slow cooked on dum, which means the dish is sealed with dough and cooked on low heat, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. It is best paired with raita.
Rampuri Seekh Kebab
This dish is a Rampur speciality and is made from minced lamb, which is marinated with flavourful spices like garlic, garam masala, red chilli powder and black pepper. The marinated meat is then skewered and grilled over hot coals, resulting in a juicy and flavourful kebab that is a must-try for meat lovers.
Rampuri Mutton Curry
This dish is a spicy and flavourful mutton curry that goes well with both rice as well as roti. The meat is cooked slowly in a rich gravy, resulting in a tender and juicy mutton curry that is perfect for a family dinner.
Rampuri Murgh Musallam
This is a classic Mughlai dish that is popular in Rampur. It is made with a whole chicken that is marinated with an aromatic blend of spices and herbs, stuffed with boiled eggs, and cooked in rich gravy. The dish is typically served with naan or rice.
Rampuri Shami Kebab
Shami kebab is a popular Indian snack that is also served as a party starter. Rampuri Shami Kebab is a unique variant of this dish that is made with a special blend of spices and herbs that are unique to Rampur cuisine.
Rampuri Fish Curry
Rampuri fish curry is a popular seafood dish that is made with fresh fish marinated in salt and lemon juice then fried with spices like fenugreek seeds. The fish is cooked slowly in a rich gravy, resulting in a flavourful and aromatic curry that is perfect for seafood lovers.
Rampuri Nihari
Nihari is a classic Indian dish that is prepared with slow-cooked meat along with spices like long pepper, funnel seeds, peppercorn and cardamom. Rampuri Nihari has a rich and flavourful gravy, resulting in a tender and juicy meat dish that is perfect for a family dinner.
Rampuri Dal Makhani
Dal makhani is a classic Indian dish that is made with black lentils and kidney beans in a creamy sauce made with butter and spices. Rampuri Dal Makhani is a unique variant of this dish that goes well with every meal.