Moradabad boasts a rich culinary heritage shaped by centuries of history, culture, and tradition. The city which still celebrates Mughlai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and some old-school delicacies which are influenced by royal recipes. The Khau Galli in Moradabad is where you’ll find some great contemporary fusion optrions, like kebab rolls, macaroni rice and Amritsari naan thali.
Then there are the heritage eateries and restaurants in the old parts of the city which serve some cult items. The most famous of them is no doubt, their biryani. The Moradabadi biryani is famed for its strong, spiced aroma and its layered taste. Although the city’s kebabs are a hit too! Here are some of the best foods of Moradabad you should explore.
Seekh Kebabs
A quintessential favourite among meat lovers, Seekh Kebabs are a street food staple in Moradabad. They are succulent skewers of minced meat, seasoned with aromatic spices and they are grilled over open flames over a considerable amount of time so they have a chared finish. In Moradabad, these flavorful kebabs are often made with finely minced lamb or chicken, mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, and then cooked until tender and juicy. They’re served hot with mint chutney and freshly baked naan.
Biryani
The Moradabadi Biryani is a beloved rice dish cooked with tender pieces of meat, aromatic spices, and fragrant saffron-infused rice. It’s more complex than regular biryani as it offers a more seamless blend of spices. It features shredded pieces of succulent meat and fragrant rice. There are plenty of eateries near Prince Road which offer classic Moradabi biryani with all the fixings.
Multani Chhole Chawal
Chhole Chawal is a street food staple in Moradabad and is a popular lunch option, thanks to its modest pricing and reasy availability. The Multan-style chhole chawal features tender chhole cooked in a spicy and tangy gravy, infused with a blend of traditional spices. The dish is served alongside fragrant basmati rice. The dish showcases the culinary heritage of Multan, known for its rich and diverse cuisine influenced by Mughal and Punjabi flavors. Another similar item that’s popular in the city is kofta chawal which is heartier and quite shareable.
Shami Kebabs
Shami Kebabs are a beloved snack in Moradabad; these savoury patties are made from finely minced meat, typically lamb or beef, blended with lentils, spices, and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small patties, coated in breadcrumbs, and shallow-fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. They’re usually served with tangy chutney and sliced onions.
Jalebi
No visit to Moradabad is complete without savouring a plate of hot and crispy Jalebis. These spiral-shaped, deep-fried sweets are made from a batter of fermented flour, deep-fried until golden brown, and then soaked in sugar syrup. The result is a crunchy exterior giving way to a soft, syrupy centre bursting with sweetness. Instead of a sweet shop, try to go for hot jalebis that are made live in smaller stalls which also offer a few varieties.
Mutton Korma
Mutton Korma is a rich and aromatic curry that tantalizes the taste buds with its complex flavours and tender meat. In Moradabad, this classic dish is prepared by slow-cooking tender pieces of mutton in a velvety gravy made from yoghurt, cream, and a blend of fragrant spices. The dish is then garnished with fried onions, chopped coriander, and a drizzle of ghee, adding layers of flavour and aroma to every spoonful. Served with naan or rice, the Moradabadi Mutton Korma is comforting and satisfying.