🕌 Introduction: Why Mughlai Food in India Feels Like Royalty

Mughlai cuisine is not just food — it’s an experience.
Rich gravies, slow-cooked kebabs, aromatic biryanis, smoky tandoor flavours, and desserts that melt on your tongue… Mughlai food represents India’s royal culinary legacy.

Across India, a few restaurants still preserve the authentic, slow-cooked Mughlai traditions using clay ovens, copper handis, and family recipes passed down for generations.

This guide reviews the best Mughlai restaurants in India, what to eat, price range, ambience, and insider tips.

⭐ Top Mughlai Restaurants in India for Authentic Taste

1. Karim’s, Old Delhi – The Legend Since 1913

Location: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Average Cost: ₹400 – ₹800 per person
Ambience: Busy, simple, historic

Why It’s Famous

Karim’s is India’s most iconic Mughlai restaurant — running since the Mughal era. Its recipes were developed in royal kitchens and still hold that old-world authenticity.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mutton Korma
• Chicken Jahangiri
• Seekh Kebabs
• Khameeri Roti
• Mutton Biryani

Local Tip

Go in the morning for fresher food and less rush.

2. ITC Bukhara – New Delhi

Location: ITC Maurya, Chanakyapuri
Average Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per person
Ambience: Luxury, dimly lit, royal

Why It’s Famous

Ranked several times among the World’s Best Restaurants, Bukhara is known for rustic, smoky, slow-cooked Mughlai flavours.

Must-Try Dishes

• Dal Bukhara (legendary)
• Sikandari Raan
• Tandoori Jhinga
• Murgh Malai Kebab

Local Tip

You will be asked to eat without cutlery — part of the restaurant’s signature experience.

3. Tunday Kababi – Lucknow

Location: Aminabad, Lucknow
Average Cost: ₹150 – ₹400
Ambience: Street-style, crowded

Why It’s Famous

Their Galouti Kebabs literally melt in your mouth.
This 100+ year-old recipe used more than 120+ spices originally created for a toothless Nawab!

Must-Try Dishes

• Galouti Kebab
• Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha
• Mutton Korma
• Biryani

Local Tip

Evening is extremely crowded — go early to avoid long lines.

4. Shadab Hotel – Hyderabad

Location: Near Charminar
Average Cost: ₹300 – ₹600
Ambience: Classic Hyderabadi, clean, family-friendly

Why It’s Famous

If you want authentic Hyderabadi Mughlai, Shadab is the real deal.
Their biryani and haleem have a cult following.

Must-Try Dishes

• Mutton Biryani
• Chicken 65 (Hyderabadi version)
• Paya
• Haleem (seasonal)

Local Tip

Visit early morning for breakfast Paya — it’s delicious.

5. Peter Cat – Kolkata

Location: Park Street
Average Cost: ₹600 – ₹900
Ambience: Retro, cozy

Why It’s Famous

Their Chelo Kebab platter is one of India’s most unique Mughlai dishes.
Kolkata’s Mughlai influence is sweet, creamy, and aromatic.

Must-Try Dishes

• Chelo Kebab Platter
• Reshmi Chicken
• Mutton Shahi Korma

Local Tip

Weekends have extremely long queues — weekdays are better.

6. Kesar Da Dhaba – Amritsar

Location: Near Golden Temple
Average Cost: ₹200 – ₹400
Ambience: Traditional, simple

Why It’s Famous

Known for buttery North-Indian + Mughlai classics cooked in pure desi ghee.

Must-Try Dishes

• Dal Makhani (slow cooked 12 hours)
• Paneer Handi
• Lachha Paratha

Local Tip

Food is rich — keep space for their delicious lassi.

7. Royal Café – Lucknow

Location: Hazratganj
Average Cost: ₹300 – ₹700
Ambience: Elegant, fast service

Why It’s Famous

Famous for Lucknow-style Mughlai chaat and kebabs.

Must-Try Dishes

• Basket Chaat (legendary)
• Boti Kebab
• Galouti Kebab
• Shami Kebab

8. Al Jawahar, Old Delhi

Location: Jama Masjid
Average Cost: ₹300 – ₹600
Ambience: Local, bustling

Why It’s Famous

A top competitor of Karim’s — many locals say its gravies are even richer.

Must-Try Dishes

• Butter Chicken
• Nihari
• Mutton Korma
• Tandoori Chicken

🌿 Vegetarian Mughlai Options (Bonus Section)

Many people think Mughlai = only non-veg, but there are delicious veg options too.

Must-try vegetarian Mughlai dishes:

• Paneer Lababdar
• Shahi Paneer
• Veg Haleem
• Mughlai Paratha
• Dal Bukhara
• Nawabi Malai Kofta

🍽️ What Makes Mughlai Food Authentic?

Authentic Mughlai cuisine has:

✔ Slow cooking (dum style)
✔ Copper utensils (handi)
✔ Rich ingredients — ghee, nuts, cream
✔ Layered spices
✔ Smoky tandoor
✔ Long-marinated meat

If a restaurant follows these, the food feels closer to the original royal recipes.

💰 Average Price Guide (For Travelers)

City	Average Cost for 2
Delhi	₹800 – ₹5,000
Lucknow	₹300 – ₹800
Hyderabad	₹500 – ₹900
Kolkata	₹600 – ₹1,200
Amritsar	₹400 – ₹700

🛡️ Disclaimer

Information such as prices, menu items, and opening hours may change over time. This review is based on general public reviews, available data, and food experiences shared online. Always check official restaurant pages or Google Maps before visiting.