Mughlai cuisines are known for their rich flavors, aromas and usage of finely chosen spices. In today’s time they are popular in entire world for their unique taste. These Mughlai preparations come straight from the royal kitchens of Mughals from the 16th century. Mughlai preparations are a blend of Indian style of cooking and Persian style of cooking. When multiple rounds of marinating meets with succulent spices, the food that comes out is pure delight for the soul.
Mughlai food is primarily known for its non vegetarian preparations of chicken and mutton. The capital city of Delhi has many such restaurants that specialize in Mughlai food, and in this blog we have listed some of these best restaurants.
Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal is five decade old restaurant that has been serving the people of Delhi with lip smacking preparations. The Butter Chicken of Moti Mahal is one of their most popular preparation. This restaurant also has a feat of having hosted the globally renowned chef Gordon Ramsay, who praised the cooking methods and recipes. The interiors of the restaurants are not very fancy, but you will get an abundant crowd that loves this place and is loyal to them.
They use whole and ground spices, and once you will taste their preparations, you will become a patron of lifetime. Apart from Butter Chicken, the other popular preparations of Moti Mahal are Chicken Tikka Masala, Burrah Kebab, Dal Makhni, Murgh Malai Kebab amongst others.
Location – 3703, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, Delhi
Cost for Two – 1600 INR (Approximately)
Karim’s
Karim’s is probably one of the most iconic culinary destinations in Delhi. The restaurant has been serving the people of Delhi since 1913. The founders of this restaurant come from the family of chefs that have served in the royal Mughal kitchen. In present day the restaurant has many franchisee outlets across the country, but the original restaurant in the busy lanes of Old Delhi has a different charm. IT is just minute of walking distance from Jama Masjid. This restaurant probably serves the best Non-Veg dishes in Delhi.
Some of the most popular preparations served here are Mutton Qorma, Mutton Nihari, Reshmi Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Raan, amongst others. These preparations are best consumed with Tandoori Roti or Khameeri Roti. Overall Karim’s is an authentic place to relish some Mughal preparations.
Location – 16, Near Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal Road, Gali Kababian, Old Delhi
Cost for Two – 800 INR (Approximately)
Al Jawahar
Old Delhi lives up to its reputation when it comes to the culinary experiences. Al Jawahar is located in Old Delhi and just besides Karim’s. It is one of the popular restaurants in Delhi that offer Mughlai food and is no less than Karim’s when it comes to taste. This restaurant has been serving food since the independence of India and it is believed that Al Jawahar was inaugurated by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first PM of India. This restaurant is specially known for its non vegetarian curries.
In Al Jawahar you must try their popular Mutton Nihari, which is cooked overnight and is prepared with a mix of secret spices that add flavor to the preparation. You must also try their Chicken Changezi which is very popular amidst masses. Their Mutton Biryani and Mutton Qorma are also best sellers.
Location – Shop no. 8, Jama Masjid, opposite Gate Number 1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Delhi
Cost for Two – 1000 INR (Approximately)
Gulati
Gulati is a well established eatery that has been serving the people of Delhi since long. It is known for its wide range of Mughlai dishes. Butter Chicken of Gulati is very popular among the masses and the restaurant has even won many awards for it. The Butter chicken over here has a rich creamy gravy, which adds a unique taste to the preparation. The place is usually overcrowded and you might also have to wait before you can get a table for yourself.
The best thing about Gulati is that it also has a wide range of options for Vegetarians too, like Malai Kofta, Paneer Lababdar, Dal Makhni amongst others. Apart from Butter Chicken, other must have here are Galouti Kebab, Kakori Kebab, Bhuna Ghosht, Burra Akbari, Murgh Malai Tikka, amongst others.
Location – 6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 1500 INR (Approximately)
Al Kauser
AL Kauser is one of the best restaurants in Delhi that offer authentic Mughlai food. It is also one of the oldest eatery in Delhi that has been serving the Mughlai food. The restaurant is not a fancy one, but if you will get to taste the preparations over here you are going to keep coming back just like the other patrons. The Al Kauser restaurant is popular for its Kakori Kebabs, and the ones they serve are very soft, juicy, and full of flavors that reflect by their finely chosen spices.
Apart from the Kakori Kebabs you must also try their Mutton Biryani, which is scrumptious. Their Afghani Chicken is also good. To top every meal with some sweetness you must go with Phirni that is very creamy here. The best thing is that they have both indoor and outdoor seating.
Location – Vasant Place Market, 30, Near Malai Temple, Sector 6, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 1200 INR (Approximately)
Bukhara – ITC Maurya
Bukhara by ITC Maurya has been Number restaurant of India many a times and has also been featured in one of the top 50 restaurants of Asia. The restaurant was established in 1978, and not even for one day has lost its charm. The restaurant is known for its fine preparations, and is very popular amidst the elites. Bill Clinton has eaten here amongst many other celebrities and eminent personalities. The restaurant prepares its dishes in the clay oven which gives them a unique taste.
The must have in Bukhara by ITC Maurya is the Daal Bukhara, which is cooked straight for 18 hours. The other must have is the Naan Bukhara which is one of the biggest breads served by any restaurant. You must also give a try to the Sikandari Raan, Murgh Malai Kebab, Peshawari Kabab amongst others.
Location – ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 6000 INR (Approximately)
Embassy
The Embassy restaurant has been up and running since 1948. This restaurant is a classic place which will take you back in time. This place is all about old world charm, and is a perfect spot if you are headed out with a family for a fine dining experience. The best thing about this restaurant is that it is located right in the heart of the city. The food served here is delicious, and they are widely known for their kebabs, curries, and Tandoori dishes.
The must have in Embassy restaurant are Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Burra, Boti Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, amongst others. But if you are looking for quick snacks, then you must go for Lamb Brain Pakora, or the Mutton Cutlets, and their Samosa filled with Paneer and potato is also a must have.
Location – 11 D, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 2000 INR (Approximately)
Kainoosh
Kainoosh restaurant is one of the best places in South Delhi where you can relish Mughlai Food. If you seeking some delicious spicy and flavorful food along with fine dining experience then you should look no further. Apart from using the Mughlai cooking style, there is also an influence of the Awadh region in the food prepared here. The restaurant is owned by the celebrity chef Marut Sikka and the menu here is finely designed in alignment of the vast cooking experience he has.
The must have in Kainoosh are the Boti Kebab, Dhaba Meat, Mutton Biryani, Dum ka Keema, amongst others. If you are a vegetarian then you must relish on the Benarsi Potato Kachori, and Kesar Ilaichi Lassi. You can also choose to couple your meal with the Phaldhaari Phirnee and you will love it.
Location – 122-124, Ground Floor, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 2200 INR (Approximately)
Mughal Mahal
Mughal Mahal restaurant is located in the commercial district of West Delhi and since long has held its reputation for serving some of the finest Mughal Preparations. The butter chicken served by Mughal Mahal restaurant is very popular amidst the masses. The place doesn’t have fancy interiors, but still is jam packed with customers on most of the days. The butter chicken served here has thick creamy texture that is appeasing for taste buds, and is coupled with tanginess of the tomato mixed in it.
The must have in Mughal Mahal restaurant is the Butter chicken and Murgh Makhni without any doubt. They also serve Chicken Pakora which is a favorite amongst the masses. While in this restaurant you can also try their other Mughlai curries.
Location – 7, Sethi Bhawan, Rajendra Place, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 1000 INR (Approximately)
Veda
Veda restaurant is located in the heart of the city and is one of the best places to relish the Mughal cuisines and North Indian Delicacies. The interiors of this restaurant are finely designed and are some of the best. This dimly lit restaurant is designed by renowned designer Rohit Bal. Their seating arrangement is very comfortable. In short this restaurant is where fine dining meets flavorful food. The restaurant also boasts of having a full service bar for beverages.
The must have in Veda Restaurant are the Raan, Kadhai Chicken, Rogan Josh, Dum Biryani, Makhani Chicken amongst others, for the Mughlai and Non Vegetarian food lovers. The Vegetarians can have Paneer Kundan Kaliyan or the Hara Bhara Kebab which too are very delicious.
Location – H-27, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Cost for Two – 1600 INR (Approximately)
Nothing beats a meal of good food!
