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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
13/02/2026
The galouti kebab is celebrated throughout the world as one of the masterpieces of Lucknow's Nawabi kitchens; it is a dish that represents North Indian culinary history and the decadence of royalty. In the modern world, this traditional dish continues to be served in many formats but has retained its characteristic qualities.
Since it represents both texture and flavour, the galouti kebab epitomises the elegance and sophistication that characterised the Nawabi kitchens of Lucknow. Created by these royal chefs, the galouti kebab remains at the centre of much of North Indian culinary variety and continues to be adapted without losing its original character; therefore, it plays an important role in preserving North Indian culinary heritage.
The tale of the galouti kebab can be traced back to the time when Nawabs ruled the Indian subcontinent and the courts of Awadh. One particular Nawab, who was past his prime and had lost his teeth, but not his love for food, ordered a kebab that could melt in his mouth and not require chewing whatsoever. The Nawab’s cooks responded to this challenge with great enthusiasm by creating the galouti kebab, which was made by finely mincing the meat and then combining it with various spices to create a unique texture that would melt in the mouth. The galouti kebab was an elegant dish, as opposed to the rustic nature of the seekh or shami kebabs, and has become one of the most famous dishes of the royal families of Lucknow.
What makes the galouti kebab a unique dish is its texture. The galouti kebab has a very smooth and almost paste-like consistency, unlike seekh and shami variations. The softness of the galouti kebab results from the very fine mincing of the meat and the use of a variety of aromatics. Moreover, the galouti kebab is cooked using a technique called shallow cooking, which retains the moisture of the meat and produces a tender product. Unlike other kebabs, the galouti kebab is seasoned so that the spices provide fragrance and a subtle warmth rather than a fiery taste; therefore, the balance of flavours is very important in producing the final product.
One of the main features of an authentic galouti kebab is its intricate spice blends. According to traditional accounts, up to several dozen spices may be included, all of which need to be measured carefully so as not to overpower the meat. With the galouti kebab, the unique way that these spices are layered, as opposed to their intensity, creates an appealing combination of earthy flavours, floral notes and a subtle warmth. This careful balance is what separates galouti kebabs from other kebab styles, providing the galouti kebab with both sophistication and complexity.
To prepare galouti kebabs, you must first finely mince the meat until it becomes a smooth, homogenous mixture; next, the meat is supplemented with tenderising agents that will help to create the required soft texture, allowing the kebab to remain moist during cooking. Once combined with spice seasoning, the meat mixture is then formed into small patties and placed in a single layer onto a flat surface to be cooked with controlled heat (the goal being an even brown colour and not charred). The end product will remain juicy on the inside, while developing a thin, crispy outer crust.
Although the galouti kebab has its origins in vintage royal kitchens, it is now synonymous with the street food scene in Lucknow. The galouti kebabs remain true to their heritage as many iconic establishments still offer the kebab with familiar side dishes. This has resulted in new adaptations of the galouti kebab while still maintaining their quintessential features: soft, tender, flavorful, and poached. The galouti kebab's evolution, from the royal court of Lucknow to the bustling market, illustrates its lasting popularity.
There are many reasons that the galouti kebab remains relevant, the most compelling of which is its ability to transcend time. Even though the galouti kebab has undergone numerous variations, the concept of the galouti kebab continues to evoke feelings of luxury. The galouti kebab maintains its status as a part of the historical tradition of Lucknow, whether it is served at a historic restaurant, such as Karim's, or at a contemporary restaurant. The galouti kebab continues to be an edible history, rich in tradition and legacy.
