Known for its splendid cityscape, laced with colonial architecture, pulsating cultural vibes, buzzing cosy cafes and certainly not to miss the snug streets bustling with a variety of gourmet options, Kolkata – the City of Joy is indeed a haven for food lovers. Any Kolkata lover worth his/her salt would be craving to savour and dig their teeth into salivating puchkas, succulent kathi rolls, the ever-comforting ghugni, luchi and aloo (potato) dom to name just a few of the never-ending list of the lip-smacking bonanza that the city has to offer. But did you culinary connoisseurs know that Kolkata is also home to some of the most endearing Mughlai dishes in India?
Whether it’s the Mughlai paratha or the reshmi kebab or that special mutton biryani you love,, these cuisines gained a pride of place in the food menus of Kolkata, thanks to the Mughlai and Awadhi influences of the bygone era. So the next time you plan a visit to the city, follow our list of 10 Mughlai Dishes to Try and check out these mouth-watering delicacies found in the city!
Biryani
Talk of Biryani in Kolkata and the first question that pops up in the conversation is – “with or without aloo?”. Well, irrespective of your preference, whether mutton or chicken, biryani always ranks first in Kolkata whenever we think of best Mughali dishes out here. Prepared with ghee and rose water, you simply cannot resist the tempting aroma of this Mughlai delicacy.
Best places to check out: Arsalan, Zam Zam, Dada Boudi Biryani (Barrackpore)
Chaanp
If you are a meat lover, then this one will certainly make you rush to the nearest restaurant serving Mughali dishes in Kolkata. Chaanp is an aromatic feast prepared in a smooth gravy made from papaya (yes, that’s right), which has to be slowly cooked till it achieves the right colour.
Best places to check out : Royal Indian Restaurant, Zeeshan
Mutton Rogan Josh
Another Mughlai indulgence you simply cannot afford to ignore is Rogan Josh, and yes it has to be mutton! Although you will find Chicken Rogan Josh too, it isn’t worth it, sorry. The whole idea of this dish is the flavour from the bone of the mutton that gets cooked and gives it’s gravy the taste of Rogan Josh.
Best places to check out: Zam Zam, Aminia
Chicken Rezala
For Rezala you should opt for chicken since it’s a rich yet light dish made from poppy seed and cashew nut paste that gives it the creamy texture. It’s a true blue melting pot of Mughal and Bengali cooking, chicken rezala is a confluence of cultures in a true sense of the term. White-coloured chicken gravy slowly cooked with delicate flavours, chicken rezala is indeed royal to the core in its appeal.
Best places to check out: Sabir’s Hotel, Oudh 1590
Murgh Mussallam
Prepared with poppy seeds and cashew paste, mutton rezala is yet another Mughal cuisine that has delicate flavours treating your regal taste buds. The gravy is smooth, creamy and yet very light. You can thoroughly relish this dish with rumali roti.
Best places to check out: Aminia, Sabir’s Hotel
Galouti Kebab
Talk of Mughali dishes and how can the smoky kebabs stay far behind. The meaty chunks are sure to delight you, especially if you are a connoisseur of Mughlai cuisine.
Best places to check out: Kareem’s, Adam’s Kebab
Haleem
As the month of holy Ramzan or Ramadan has settled in, people in Kolkata suddenly feel a strong craving for Haleem which is a popular dish in Central Asia; it is a classical meat preparation that is partially relished during the festival of Ramadan. It is another mughlai cuisine which we can’t ignore it is another mughlai cuisine which we cannot ignore. This mughlai food is traditionally prepared in ‘Bhattis’ or brick and mud ovens, during this holy month of Ramadan. It is a slow-cooked delicacy, often cooked for 7-8 hours and is done on firewood. There are so many mughlai items in Kolkata but Haleem has usurped the very spirit and value of Ramzan. It is prepared using mutton, dales. Spice and it is incomplete without pure ghee. Haleem can be served with Lemon juice, coriander leaves, fried onion, chopped ginger root or green chillies.
Best places to check out: Arsalan, Zeeshan
Mughlai Paratha
Flaky maida parathas with a crispy egg coating and veg or non-veg filling and served with aloo, the very mention of Mughlai parathas is enough to water your mouth. For die-hard non-veg lovers, these parathas can be enriched with keema to satiate your delicate tastebuds.
Best places to check out: Anadi Cabin, Das Cabin
Firni
Best places to check out: Oudh 1590, India Restaurant
It is impossible to imagine an Indian festival without sweet delights so let’s celebrate festivals with this traditional firni recipe. Prepared with milk and rice. Traditionally broken rice or coarsely grinded rice is used. This mughlai food is a creamy milk-based sweet dish popular in north India.
What makes this firni recipe different from other Indian desserts is the rich and creamy texture of the delicacy that is prepared with a rice blend and infused with aromatic essence.
This firni recipe we can prepare at home.
Shahi Tukda
When you are in the city where every denizen has an insatiable sweet tooth, you can’t afford to miss out on one of the most royal dessert delicacies that have been bequeathed to India – the melt in your mouth Shahi Tukda. After a hearty meal, you must indulge in this comforting delight to your heart’s content.
Best places to check out: Zam Zam, Kareem’s
When you are exploring different varieties of Mughlai dishes in Kolkata, walk the food talk along the famous Zakaria Street. Besides witnessing the old-world charm, you will be treated to vibrant culinary nooks and corners bursting with flavours, aromas and colours that are bound to leave you asking for more. From meaty, juicy kebabs to aromatic biryanis to succulent sevain, the Mughlai delicacies in the City of Joy add a distinct gourmet character to the vivid food culture of Kolkata. Shonar Bangla, bon appetit!
Make sure to check out Why Sundarban is famous in West Bengal?
For a relaxing stay guide, you can check Top lavish resorts in Kolkata for relaxing stay.
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