A view of Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin West in New Delhi | Photo Credit: RVMOORTHY
It was a rainy day, and the pleasant drop in temperature seemed perfect for a plate of kebabs, especially when everyone was drenched in Eid festivities. So, I decided to order some from Ghalib’s Kebab Corner in Nizamuddin.
first slice of a delicious juicy buff Seekh Kebab Brought back memories of my kebab stay in the city. One of the landmarks of Old Delhi had a view kababchiSitting by the side of a narrow alley, fanning coals for oil-brushed skewers learning Kebab.
Shami Kebab | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Moinuddin, the great Kebabchi, Which is no more, grilled the best kebabs in town. His sons now run an eatery called Sangam in Lal Quan opposite Hamdard building. I also love Circle Or twine kebabs Which you find in some parts of the walled city, like Chitli Kabar and Ballimaran. The kebab is so soft that it has to be tied with a long thread – which is how it got its name. Another favorite of mine is Qureshi Kebab Corner in the Jama Masjid area. The owners say they are descendants of the famous Kabachi Masita.
While the Jama Masjid neighborhood is the go-to area for all serious kebab lovers, many parts of Delhi have little nooks and corners where the fare is memorable. Some have downed their shutters, or moved to other locations. I often used to go to Gol Market in Galina for kebabs. The aroma of grilled fare surrounded me from afar, and by the time I reached Galena, I was hungry. It moved from Gol Market to Prasad Nagar near Paharganj many years ago.
In recent years, however, I have been getting my kebabs from Ghalib’s, located opposite the Markazi Masjid in Nizamuddin Basti. Seekh Kebabs are moist and slightly spicy. Chicken Seekh Kebab (if you order online) ₹ 220 for four pieces Mutton wants to ₹240 and Buffalo Kebab for ₹100. I enjoyed the buffalo meat kebabs, which were soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. There is seating inside Ghalib’s compound, and chairs and tables are placed outside in the open air.
Sufiana Kebab | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Another interesting food hub is in Zakir Nagar. The rent of Talib Kebab Corner and Lucknowi Galavati Kebab Shop is outstanding. Barook, a new outlet in West Delhi’s Bally Nagar, serves Kebabs and Biryani. Many kebab lovers swear by the food at Khan Chacha’s. The small eatery that attracted me to Khan Market was Aap Ki Khatri, which later moved out of the market. And another all-time favorite is Al-Kauser.
One of the cool aspects of Delhi’s food revolution is the fact that some neighborhood eateries may surprise you with their delicious kebabs. A group of friends recently brought some grilled mutton kebabs from a meat shop called Pioneer in Mayur Vihar Phase 2, and they were super, with just the right texture and taste.
My Ghalib encounter has taught me a lesson. One should not wait for good weather to eat a kebab or two. Let the sun shine, or let it rain: just celebrate life with a plate of piping hot kebabs.
Kakori Kebab | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement