The Nawabs’ Favorites: Must-Try Dishes in Awadhi Cuisine

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. A Glimpse into Awadhi Culinary Heritage

3. Galouti Kebab – A Melt-in-the-Mouth Marvel

4. Nihari – The Slow-Cooked Stew of Royalty

5. Awadhi Biryani – The Fragrant Crown Jewel

6. Kakori Kebab – Delicate, Spiced, and Sophisticated

7. Sheermal – Sweet, Saffron-Kissed Bread

8. Kulfi and Khubani ka Meetha – Royal Desserts

9. The Centrum’s Tribute to Awadhi Cuisine

10. Conclusion

Introduction

Awadhi cuisine, a fragrant tapestry of spices, slow-cooked meats, and delicately layered flavors, is one of the most celebrated gastronomic traditions in India. It was born in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs of Awadh—rulers known for their refined taste and artistic indulgences. At The Centrum, the best hotel in Lucknow, these culinary treasures are thoughtfully recreated to offer guests a true taste of regal heritage.

A Glimpse into Awadhi Culinary Heritage

The cuisine of the Nawabs was never just about food—it was about experience, emotion, and excellence. Every dish was meticulously crafted with time-honored techniques like dum pukht, and infused with aromatic elements like rose water, saffron, and kewra. It is this legacy that lives on in the kitchens of Dum, The Centrum’s specialty Awadhi restaurant, where each meal is a journey into Lucknow’s royal past.

Galouti Kebab – A Melt-in-the-Mouth Marvel

One of the most iconic dishes in Awadhi cuisine, the Galouti Kebab was crafted for a toothless Nawab who longed for flavor without the need to chew. Finely minced meat is blended with over 150 spices and cooked to perfection, resulting in a kebab so soft, it melts on your tongue. At Dum, this dish is served as it was in royal courts—with elegance and finesse.

Nihari – The Slow-Cooked Stew of Royalty

Traditionally enjoyed as a morning delicacy by the Nawabs, Nihari is a slow-cooked stew of lamb shanks or beef, simmered overnight in a rich broth of spices. The result is deeply flavorful, aromatic, and comforting. It’s a dish that speaks of patience and perfection—values The Centrum holds dear in its culinary philosophy.

Awadhi Biryani – The Fragrant Crown Jewel

Unlike its spicier cousins from other regions, Awadhi Biryani is a subtle and refined preparation. Layered with fragrant rice, marinated meat, and a blend of saffron and rose essence, each bite offers harmony. Cooked using the dum technique in sealed pots, it embodies the soul of Awadhi cuisine.

Kakori Kebab – Delicate, Spiced, and Sophisticated

Named after the town of Kakori, this kebab is a symbol of elegance. Made from finely minced lamb, blended with aromatic spices and dried fruits, Kakori Kebabs are grilled to perfection. At Dum, they’re served with mint chutney and pickled onions—just the way the Nawabs preferred.

Sheermal – Sweet, Saffron-Kissed Bread

More than just bread, Sheermal is a soft, sweetened saffron flatbread often served with kormas or kebabs. It adds a touch of luxury to every plate. Slightly crisp on the outside and soft within, it’s an essential component of a complete Awadhi meal.

Kulfi and Khubani ka Meetha – Royal Desserts

To end the royal feast, desserts like Khubani ka Meetha—a stewed apricot dessert topped with cream—and Kulfi, a dense, frozen dairy delight flavored with cardamom and saffron, make a fitting conclusion. These sweets mirror the indulgent lives of the Nawabs and are beautifully presented at The Centrum with artistic flair.

The Centrum’s Tribute to Awadhi Cuisine

At Dum, The Centrum’s signature Awadhi restaurant, each dish is not just prepared—it is honored. The ambiance mirrors the grace of old Lucknow, while the culinary artistry revives the Nawabi way of life. As the best hotel in Lucknow, The Centrum curates immersive dining journeys through authentic recipes, paired with luxurious service and an environment steeped in heritage.

From food festivals to curated royal thali experiences, The Centrum ensures that every guest leaves with the memory of a meal fit for kings.

Conclusion

Awadhi cuisine is more than a collection of dishes—it’s a cultural treasure passed down through generations. At The Centrum, guests are invited to rediscover these Nawabi favorites, where each plate is crafted with love, authenticity, and artistry. For those who seek not just luxury but heritage on a plate, The Centrum in Lucknow is your destination.