Kolkata food scene: Get your Galawati kebab fix at this limited-edition royal Novotel pop-up

The refined flavours and culinary traditions of Awadh are making their way to Kolkata this week as Ministry of Kebabs at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences presents Jewel of Awadh, the latest edition of its ongoing Flavours of India series. Running from July 22 to July 26, the limited-period festival celebrates one of India’s most celebrated regional cuisines through recipes rooted in history, craftsmanship and royal heritage.

Awadhi cuisine has long been synonymous with slow cooking, delicate spice blends and recipes perfected in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs of Lucknow. Rather than relying on fiery heat, the cuisine is known for its balance of flavours, aromatic ingredients and meticulous preparation techniques such as dum pukht, where food is cooked slowly in sealed vessels to preserve moisture and deepen flavour.

Shahi Tukda

At the heart of the festival is a menu curated by Chef Rehman Mujeebur in collaboration with traditional khansamas from Lucknow, bringing together recipes that have been preserved across generations. The spread features iconic kebabs such as Shah Galawati Kebab and Majlisi Kebab alongside dishes including Mahi Dum Kebab, Chowk Ki Tikki, Aatishi Khumb and Chane Ki Asharfi. Main course highlights include Lucknowi Nihari Gosht, Lagan Ka Murgh, Dum Gosht Pulao, Yakhni Pulao and Malihabadi Tahri Pulao, while classic desserts such as Sheer Khurma and Roti Ka Halwa round off the experience.

Chef Mujeeb-ur-Rahman

Beyond the menu, the festival aims to recreate the gracious hospitality associated with the royal courts of Awadh. Traditional service rituals, authentic presentation and a thoughtfully curated selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes seek to offer diners more than a meal, providing an immersive introduction to one of India’s most influential culinary traditions.

Shahi Galawati Kebab

As regional Indian cuisines continue to enjoy renewed appreciation among diners, festivals such as Flavours of India offer an opportunity to explore culinary traditions in their authentic form. For Kolkata’s food lovers, Jewel of Awadh promises a journey through recipes that have stood the test of time, celebrating the elegance, richness and enduring legacy of Lucknow’s famed Nawabi cuisine.

Seekh Kebab

The Flavours of India: Jewel of Awadh will be hosted at Ministry of Kebabs, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, New Town, from July 22 to July 26 during dinner service from 7pm to 11.30pm. The festival is priced at ₹1,699-plus for the vegetarian menu and ₹1,899-plus for the non-vegetarian menu.

Broccoli Begum Bahar