Mughlai cuisine, an enduring legacy of India’s rich history, continues to allure food lovers with its royal flavors, aromatic spices, and unique textures. From succulent kebabs to rich curries and aromatic biryanis, this culinary tradition is celebrated across India.
As 2025 dawns, let us explore the top destinations where food connoisseurs can indulge in the authentic Mughlai experience, featuring both timeless eateries and contemporary gems.
1. Delhi: The Mughlai Capital of India
a. Karim’s: A Heritage Dining Experience
- Location: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
- Why Visit in 2025: This historic eatery, operational since 1913, retains its crown for serving authentic Mughlai cuisine. In 2025, Karim’s has expanded its menu with curated tasting options, showcasing rare Mughlai recipes that honor the Mughal emperors’ dining traditions.
- Must-Try Dishes: Mutton Korma, Sheermal, and Nihari.
b. Bhogal Kebab Wale
- Location: Connaught Place
- Why Visit in 2025: Known for its mouthwatering kebabs, this understated gem has introduced charcoal-grilled innovations to cater to modern palates while retaining the original Mughlai essence.
- Must-Try Dishes: Galouti Kebab and Kakori Kebab.
c. Haveli Dharampura
- Location: Chandni Chowk
- Why Visit in 2025: A restored haveli turned restaurant, this venue now offers experiential dining where guests can enjoy Mughlai delicacies in a regal ambiance reminiscent of Mughal-era feasts.
- Must-Try Dishes: Zafrani Pulao and Shahi Tukda.
2. Lucknow: The Land of Nawabi Flavors
a. Tunday Kababi
- Location: Aminabad
- Why Visit in 2025: Famous for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, Tunday Kababi has introduced live cooking stations in 2025, offering diners a chance to witness the preparation of these legendary kebabs.
- Must-Try Dishes: Tunday Galouti Kebab and Ulte Tawe ka Paratha.
b. Oudhyana, Taj Mahal Lucknow
- Location: Gomti Nagar
- Why Visit in 2025: This luxury restaurant now features an exclusive Nawabi Thali, a curated dining experience offering a spectrum of Mughlai dishes, including lesser-known recipes from Awadhi kitchens.
- Must-Try Dishes: Dum Pukht Biryani and Kakori Kebabs.
c. Chowk Street Food
- Location: Old Lucknow
- Why Visit in 2025: The bustling lanes of Chowk offer a unique Mughlai street food experience. Newly organized food walks in 2025 aim to guide visitors through iconic stalls for authentic flavors.
- Must-Try Dishes: Pasanda and Kulfi Falooda.
3. Hyderabad: The Biryani Capital
a. Paradise Biryani
- Location: Secunderabad
- Why Visit in 2025: Renowned worldwide for its Hyderabadi biryani, Paradise continues to lead with its balanced flavors and perfectly cooked rice. In 2025, they’ve introduced biryani combos paired with Mughlai sides.
- Must-Try Dishes: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani and Chicken 65.
b. The Jewel of Nizam
- Location: Gachibowli
- Why Visit in 2025: Offering a royal dining experience, this fine-dining restaurant emphasizes Mughal-inspired luxury. Their 2025 menu highlights fusion dishes combining Mughlai and contemporary flavors.
- Must-Try Dishes: Nalli Nihari and Pathar ka Gosht.
c. Shadab Hotel
- Location: Ghansi Bazaar
- Why Visit in 2025: A favorite among locals and tourists, Shadab Hotel continues to uphold its reputation for serving soulful Mughlai food at reasonable prices.
- Must-Try Dishes: Mutton Haleem and Qubani ka Meetha.
4. Jaipur: Mughlai Meets Royal Rajasthani
a. Suvarna Mahal, Rambagh Palace
- Location: C Scheme
- Why Visit in 2025: Housed in a palace, Suvarna Mahal offers a regal Mughlai experience. In 2025, their chefs are focusing on reviving forgotten Mughlai recipes in an exclusive tasting menu.
- Must-Try Dishes: Murgh Musallam and Mutton Rogan Josh.
b. Handi Restaurant
- Location: MI Road
- Why Visit in 2025: Known for its earthy flavors, Handi’s Mughlai dishes are slow-cooked to perfection. In 2025, they’ve introduced clay pot cooking demonstrations for diners.
- Must-Try Dishes: Laal Maas Mughlai Style and Chicken Changezi.
c. Zolocrust
- Location: Clarks Amer
- Why Visit in 2025: While primarily a modern eatery, Zolocrust now features a seasonal Mughlai pop-up kitchen offering experimental dishes like Mughlai Bao and Kebab Platters.
- Must-Try Dishes: Shahi Paneer and Mughlai Kofta.
5. Kolkata: The City of Fusion Flavors
a. Arsalan
- Location: Park Circus
- Why Visit in 2025: Arsalan is a household name for biryani enthusiasts. This year, they are offering curated pairings of their classic biryanis with Mughlai starters and desserts.
- Must-Try Dishes: Kolkata Biryani and Mutton Chaap.
b. Shiraz Golden Restaurant
- Location: Esplanade
- Why Visit in 2025: An icon in Kolkata’s Mughlai food scene, Shiraz Golden Restaurant has expanded its delivery menu in 2025 to bring its legendary Mughlai dishes to a wider audience.
- Must-Try Dishes: Rezala and Mutton Korma.
c. Nizam’s
- Location: New Market
- Why Visit in 2025: Famous for inventing the Kathi Roll, Nizam’s remains an unmissable destination for casual Mughlai dining in 2025.
- Must-Try Dishes: Double Egg Chicken Kathi Roll and Mughlai Paratha.
6. Mumbai: A Cosmopolitan Mughlai Hub
a. Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar
- Location: Marine Lines
- Why Visit in 2025: Known as “The Biryani King of Mumbai,” Jaffer Bhai’s continues to draw crowds with its rich Mughlai gravies and biryanis.
- Must-Try Dishes: Butter Chicken and Paya Soup.
b. Noor Mohammadi Hotel
- Location: Bhendi Bazaar
- Why Visit in 2025: This iconic restaurant is famous for its signature dish, Chicken Sanju Baba. The 2025 menu features new items inspired by Bollywood celebrities.
- Must-Try Dishes: Nalli Nihari and Mutton Khichda.
c. Copper Chimney
- Location: Multiple outlets
- Why Visit in 2025: A modern twist on Mughlai cuisine, Copper Chimney has reimagined traditional dishes for the health-conscious diner in 2025.
- Must-Try Dishes: Paneer Tikka Masala and Dal Maharaja.
GET READY MUGHLAI LOVERS…
India offers a wealth of destinations to savor authentic Mughlai cuisine, blending history, tradition, and modernity. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Old Delhi or the regal palaces of Jaipur, 2025 promises new experiences for Mughlai food lovers.
As these eateries innovate while preserving tradition
