Lokhandwala gets a taste of authentic Lucknowi khana, courtesy Grand Nawab, whereE the lavish spread comes pretty close to a royal feast
Lokhandwala gets a taste of authentic Lucknowi khana, courtesy Grand Nawab, whereEu00a0the u00a0lavish spreadu00a0comes pretty close to a royal feast
Lucknowi cuisine is easily one of the most regal treatments for the human taste buds to experience. The flavours marinate their essence from tons of royal recipes laid down thousands of years ago, by Mughal cooking techniques. These eventually mixed with a dash of Kashmiri, Punjabi and Hyderabadi culinary culture.
GRAND NAWAB
Food: regal
Service: attentive
Ambience: retro-relaxed
u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0 Galawat Kebab. PICS/Nimesh Dave
The Grand Nawab, a quaint, little joint, tucked away in the by-lanes of Lokhandwala greets you with an (if I may dare) ambience that could have hosted a shahi-mujra in another world. Don't get me wrong; it's not a bad thing. Just that the old school wallpaper, music from the '80s and a typical royal bar in one corner takes a few seconds to get used to. Nevertheless, once you soak in the ambience, you will enjoy the feel that this typical Lucknowi setup has to offer.
We sank our teeth right away with a Lucknowi specialty --The Galawat Kebab (Rs 250). This mutton delicacy promised meat marinated delicately with limited spices and is Dhungared (smoked). It arrived crisp and tender, blending spices in the right proportion. The patties griddled and cooked to perfection on each side and the slightly blackened crust garnished with a sprinkling of limejuice, made for a perfect first bite. 'Galouti' means 'melt in the mouth' and the kebabs lived up to their reputation. However, they were spicy, and not for the faint tongued.
Next, the Chicken Nizami Kebab (Rs 250) proved to be a succulent mix of delicious char grilled chicken chunks marinated in a mouth-watering royal choice of mix spices, with a buttery-yogurt mix and mild hint of chilly. Highly recommended!
For the main course, Nawabi Mutton (Rs 350), tantalised us with savoured boneless mutton chunks cooked in a kheema malai mix. Dressed deliciously and served with a healthy portion of salad, this kneaded mincemeat melts gloriously in the mouth, bringing alive the ginger-garlic and garam masala symphony in what was easily the best dish on the menu. Soon after, the Chicken Angara (Rs 280) saut ufffded in thick spice infused gravy, saut ufffded onions and our taste buds were transported to the Mughal era.
Both, the chicken and mutton went incredibly well with the Lucknowi Special Paratha (Rs 90) that was tossed up, to deliver what is known as an Ulta-Tawa-Paratha, baked brown to the right effect in its flaky folds. While Lucknowi cuisines cater primarily to mutton, we braved the Tandoori Pomfret (Rs 320) as well. The pomfret that came char grilled in popular tandoori masala, was the only slightly average dish on the menu.
For dessert, the menu promised plenty, including Halwa and Shahi Tukda but none were available. The complimentary Firni disappointed in taste and texture. However, the service was top-notch. The waiters were considerate to check on the quality of food at regular intervals without being intrusive. Overall, a royal Indian dining experience.God bless the Mughals!
AT: Shop 1 & 2, Greenfields Society, opposite HDFC Bank, Lokhandwala
The Grand Nawab didn't know we were there.The Guideu00a0reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
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