A unique fact about the city Mumbai is it’s potpourri of cultures and one of the cultures that Mumbai embraces is the lucknowi and awadhi culture with its amazing and drool worthy food preparations.Here’s some of the places to relish some amazing lucknowi and awadhi delights in Mumbai.
Boti Kebab at Hindustan
Located in the famous Mohammed Ali road lane ,this small cafe cum stall is only famous for their boti or chote kebab that melts in your mouth. Do not expect an amazing ambience or service here and you might have to wait in line to get hold of these little delights of minced meat,onion and pudina.
Image: Boti Kebab
Location: 152, IM Merchant Road,Near Minara Masjid,Mumbai CST
Cost for 2: Rs.400/-
Timing: 12:00 p.m – 11 p.m
Specials: Boti Kebab
Nizaari
One of the famous Lucknowi meal is the kebab paratha or the seekh paratha and this place is in no doubt the best you can find in the entire Mumbai for this meal. Mutton minced and marinated in coriander,pudina and the special garam masala rolled up in buttery paratha or pav is a true delight for the meat lovers. While you are there,also try their special paya saalan (curry) and kheema with their “ ek cup chai”.
Location: Mohammed Ali Road,Bhendi Bazaar,Mumbai CST
Cost for 2: Rs.250-300/-
Timing: 12:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m
Specials: kheema/kebab pav and tea.
Noor Mohammadi
This modest joint boasts of some of the most amazing dishes including the Sanju baba special and the famous nalli nihari. The sanju baba special is infact named after the bollywood superstar Sanjay Dutt because it is one of his favourite dishes while the nalli nihari is an exotic awadhi preparation made of mutton drumsticks and marrows cooked in spicy curry,topped with juliennes of green chillies and ginger.
Location: Wazir Building,Near J.J. hospital.
Cost for 2: Rs.250-300/-
Timing: 12:00 p.m – 10:00 p.m
Specials: Nalli Nihari and kheema/kebab pav
Sarvi
This place is indeed a paradise for meat lovers and is always swarmed with Kebab-a-holics at almost every hour of the day. Active since the last 90 years with the same settings of a few benches with no sign board,Sarvi has developed a niche for itself among the Mumbaikars in a rather symbolic way.
Location: Dimtimkar road,Nagpada
Cost for 2: Rs.200/-
Timing: 10:00 p.m – 01:00 a.m
Specials: seekh and galauti kebab
Noorani
Although you will find almost everything here be it mughlai,north Indian or Chinese,you will also find some amazing awadhi dishes. The special awadhi white biryani,white steamed biryani rice steamed in the tempting aroma of kesar. Their butter chicken is also a must order delicacy.
Location: Haji Ali Circle,Tardeo.
Cost for 2: Rs.500 -750/-
Timing: Rs.8:00 a.m- 12:00 a.m
Specials:Butter chicken and tandoori and white biryani
Farid’s seekh kebab
Delectable,juicy,succulent and cheap- Farid’s kebabs are all of these. One of the famous and most buzzing late night joint in Mumbai.Try their malai kebab and seekh paratha to feel a taste of the lucknowi street life.
Location: Behraum Baug,Jogeshwari East
Cost for 2: Rs.250/-
Timing: 5:30 p.m – 1:0 p.m
Specials: seekh paratha,kebabs.
Lucknowi Tunde Kebab
Crispy on the outside and soft in the inside,the lucknowi tunde kebabs are one of the famous kebab variant from lucknow (awadh) incorporating 160 spices making it one of the most extravagant kebabs and this place serves you the perfect within a few minutes. Although their tundey kebabs are their speciality,you should definitely not miss their mutton bhuna and firni the next time you visit.
Location: S.V.Road,Opposite Ghaswala Dairy Fresh,Jogeshwari.
Cost for 2: Rs.250-300/-
Timing: 12:30 p.m – 4:00 p.m, 7:00 p.m- 12:30 a.m
Specials: Tunde kebab
Sheera and firni from Suleman Usman
Lucknowi is not just about kebabs and mutton preparations but also includes an extended list of desserts. Suleman Usman mithailwala,located in town is actually one shop where you will get the special aromatic lucknowi firni and sheera in the typical lucknow style.
Location:Ibrahim Merchant Road,Minara Masjid
Cost for 2: Rs.250-400/-
Timing: 10:00 a.m – 10:00 p.m
Specials: Malai Khaja,Firni and sheera
Content and Image Credits:Arshee Shaikh