There are a plenty of examples to prove how India’s obsession with food resulted in the creation of some masterpieces. One such amusing gem is the galouti kebab also known as “galawat kebab”. But have you ever wondered how these succulent and mouthwatering kebabs came to being? Well, there is an interesting story related to its origin. As per some food historians, galouti kebabs are basically minced meat cutlets, best known for their preparation method. The word ‘galouti’ translates to “the thing that melts in the mouth”, no wonder!
Video credits: Cook With Lubna/YouTube
Galouti kebabs were originated in the kitchen of Lucknow’s famous Nawab Asad-ud-Daula who was extremely fond of kebabs. He had appointed a special team of chefs just for creating new kebab varieties while experimenting with exotic ingredients like rose, red ginseng, juniper berries, sandalwood and what not! The Nawab grew old and subsequently lost his teeth but how could he let someone come between him and his love for kebabs? And of course, trying to chew his favourite kebabs wasn’t even an option to be considered.
The Nawab ordered the royal chefs to make the softest kebabs that would require no chewing that too without compromising on the flavours. So, after a series of trial and errors, the chefs created galouti kebabs that would melt in the Nawab’s mouth without even moving a single muscle. And this is how the much-loved galouti kebabs were born. These kebabs became softer and softer and paved the way for popular “Tunday kebabs” created by Haji Murad Ali who only had one working arm.
If this interesting tale has left you drooling for these scrumptious kebabs, here are the top 10 places to have these kebabs in Lucknow. Recommended by some popular city foodies, these places are a must try.
1. Tunday Kababi
Recommended by:@lucknowfoodbites
Lucknow residents are obsessed with kebabs, and we can’t deny this. @lucknowfoodbites’s Ayushi Srivastav told Slurrp that Tunday Kababi is the best place to have these kebabs especially because of their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious taste. And to have the best galouti kebabs in the city, one just can’t miss visiting the Tunday Kababi. This legendary eatery has a rich history and has been serving the best tunday kebabs for so many years. The quality at their Chowk & Amindabad outlet is top notch and everyone should visit these branches at least once.
Price for two: Rs 100 (approx.)
Address: 168/6, Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow.
Timings: 10 am to11:30 pm
2. The Mughal's Dastarkhawan
Recommended by: @chefpoojasharma_official
This place serves the best quality and flavours. Highly recommended, said Lucknow’s food blogger Pooja Sharma. This place serves different varieties of kebabs and also has a comfortable dining arrangement for the people.
Price for two: Rs 300 (approx.)
Address: 3, Quinton Rd, Kaiserbagh Officer's Colony, Qaisar Bagh
Timings: 12:30 am to 10:30 pm
3. Alamgir Hotel
Recommended by: @lucknow_foodie
Galouti, also known as Galawati served at Alamgir Hotel, have a melt-in-mouth texture and are too scrumptious to handle. Talking to Slurrp, @lucknow_foodie’s Ali said that Lucknow’s galouti kebabs have a rich history and succulent taste. And if you want to taste the best kebabs in the town, you must visit Alamgir Hotel, Aminabad.
Price for two: Rs 350 (approx.)
Address: Nazirabad Road, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
4. Aadab-e-Dastarkhwan Restaurant
Recommended by: @chefpoojasharma_official
Yet another famous eatery in Lucknow is Aadab-e-Dastarkhwan Restaurant, known for serving the most authentic and heavenly kebabs. Visit this place to taste the richness of kebabs.
Price for two: Rs 350 (approx.)
Address: Umrao Plaza, Sector 5, Indira Nagar, Lucknow,
Timings: 12AM to 11 PM
5. Kareem Kababi
Recommended by: @lucknow_foodie
Galawati kebabs served at Kareem Kababi, are scrumptious and heavenly. Talking to Slurrp, @lucknow_foodie’s Ali said that there are so many places that serve authentic galouti kebabs and Kareem Kababi is one of them.
Price for two: Rs 350 (approx.)
Address: H.A Rajjak Complex, Opposite Masjid, Gangaprasad Marg
Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Image credits: @lucknow_foodie
6. Manish Eating Point
Recommended by: @ flying_apronnnnn
Who doesn’t love Galawati kebabs? And the one served at Manish Eating Point will surely win your heart. Talking to Slurrp, @ flying_apronnnnn ‘s Mallika said that this place serves mouthwatering galouti kebabs.
Price for two: Rs 250 (approx.)
Address: Nazirabad Road, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
7. Sakhawat Restuarant
Recommended by: @eattwithsid
Galouti kebabs at Sakhawat Restaurant can leave you drooling. Not just kebabs, this place is also known for serving heavenly biryani and thus, is a must-visit.
Price for two: Rs 250 (approx.)
Address: 3/40, Vinay Khand, Patrakarpuram Chauraha, Gomti Nagar
Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
8. Akbar Ali Kabab Parathe, Wazeerganj
Recommended by: @lucknow_foodie
This is a great place to eat around. Apart from galouti kebabs, this eatery serves other scrumptious meat dishes too.
Price for two: Rs 250 (approx.)
Address: KD Singh Babu Stadium, Gangaprasad Marg
Timings: 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
9. Cafe Deleila
Recommended by: @thatlucknowfoodie
Talking to Slurrp, @thatlucknowfoodie’s Akash Yadav said that it is a peaceful luxurious place to have galawati kebabs in Gomti Nagar. They serve literally amazing kababs which are very soft and have an easy melt-in-mouth texture.
Price for two: Rs 300 (approx.)
Address: Vipul Khand Gomti Nagar Lucknow
Timings: 10 am - 11 pm
10. Awadhi Kakori Kabab, Near City Station
Recommended by: @lucknow_foodie
If you really want to know how the authentic food of Lucknow tastes like, you must visit the popular Awadhi Kakori Kabab. The kebabs served here are extremely delicious and one of the best in the town.
Price for two: Rs 300 (approx.)
Address: KD Singh Babu Stadium, Wajeerganj, Jagat Narain Rd
Timings: 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
You can thank us later!