The Royal History Behind Our Galawati Kebab Recipe
When you bite into a Galawati Kebab at Tunday Kababi Dubai, you’re not just tasting a dish—you’re stepping into history. This iconic kebab was born from a royal challenge and perfected in the bustling lanes of Lucknow over 120 years ago. Let’s take a closer look at how this now-legendary delicacy came to be and why it continues to captivate food lovers around the world.
Table of Contents
- A Nawab’s Unusual Request
- The Birth of a Culinary Icon
- Why the Name “Tunday”?
- Preserving the Royal Recipe
- Galawati in Dubai Today
A Nawab’s Unusual Request
The origin of the Galawati Kebab begins in the courts of a Nawab in 19th-century Lucknow. With age came frailty, and the Nawab lost his teeth—but not his love for kebabs. He issued a royal decree: create a kebab so tender it melts in the mouth.
Chefs from across the region accepted the challenge. But one stood out: Haji Murad Ali, who brought not just flavour but finesse to the Nawab’s table. The result? A kebab so soft, it required no chewing—just appreciation.
The Birth of a Culinary Icon
Murad Ali’s creation wasn’t just about tenderness. He developed a spice blend unlike any other, using 160 ground spices including cardamom, rose petal, kewra, nutmeg, and saffron. The meat was finely minced to a paste-like consistency and gently pan-seared on a copper tawa with ghee.
The Nawab was mesmerized. So were generations to follow. Thus, the Galawati Kebab was born—named after its texture, which literally means “melt-in-the-mouth.”
Why the Name “Tunday”?
Murad Ali was known for his one-handed culinary genius, having lost an arm in an accident. The nickname “Tunday” (meaning one-armed) stuck—and so did the fame. His small outlet in Chowk, Lucknow, grew into a legendary institution.
Today, that same name travels across continents, gracing tables in Dubai, where tradition meets modern taste.
Preserving the Royal Recipe
At Tunday Kababi Dubai, we have never altered the original recipe. Our chefs still:
- Hand-grind the 160 spices
- Marinate the meat for hours
- Cook on traditional copper tawas
Each kebab is shaped by hand, just as it was in Murad Ali’s kitchen. There are no shortcuts—only legacy and love in every bite.
Galawati in Dubai Today
In Dubai, the Galawati Kebab remains our crown jewel. It’s a favorite among expats who long for the taste of home, and a revelation for those discovering Lucknowi cuisine for the first time.
Pair it with Roomali Roti or Sheermal, add a splash of mint chutney, and you’ve got a royal meal fit for any modern Nawab.
Al Hudaiba Awards Building, Al Mina Street, Jumeirah Dubai
Come savour the kebab that started it all. Visit Tunday Kababi Dubai and taste the royal recipe that has stood the test of time.
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