Warm, juicy with just the right hit of spice. It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t love a good kebab. They are perfect when eaten as a starter and ideal as snack with a few pints of beer. The 48 Hours Team tells you where in the city you’ll get treated to some of the most mouthwatering delights
Kebabs are one of those foods that make you crazy with cravings. If you’ve ever been to Mohammed Ali Road during Ramazan, you’ll know exactly what we mean. From the mouthwatering aromas to the delicious flavours and spices, a perfectly made kebab is something that not many could ever resist. And we’re sure that just reading this has made you crave those delicious skewered delights. So, without further ado, we bring you our picks of the best kebab joints in the city.
KAKORI HOUSE * *
There’s no way we could have left Kakori House off a list about kebabs. There are several types of kebabs, all of which are delectable — but there’s one you have to try when you visit and that’s their signature Kakori Kababs. They have a plate of three decently sized pieces for Rs 250 but you’ll be craving more. They also have some of the most delicious Murgh Malai Kebab (Rs 250) and Mutton Shami Kebab (Rs 230) that are worth digging into.
Where Shiv Sagar Society, Lady Jamshedjee Road, Mahim (W)
JANTA KEBABS *
Janta, the popular Bandra bar, isn’t quite as famous for its food as it is for its drinks. But, the bar’s full name is Janta Lunch Home, so you’ll be surprised at their range of culinary offerings. Their Reshmi Kebabs (Rs 160) are easily the best we’ve had in Bandra — yes, we’ve tried the reshmi kebabs from quite a few restaurants in the area. These kebabs are succulent, perfectly cooked and have been consistently good. Sadly, they are only available post 7.30pm and knowing how crowded the bar gets, it might be difficult to find place at this time. Our suggestion is to go there by 7pm, grab a table and wait till the tandoor starts. While you’re waiting, order the surprisingly good Bhurji (Rs 65). For those who aren’t keen on the bar and its décor, Janta offers home delivery.
Where 78 A, Pali Naka, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Bandra (W)
NEEL — TOTE ON THE TURF * * * *
This is perhaps one of the most posh places we’ve gluttonously tucked into platefuls of warm kebabs at. The quality is incomparable and the flavours and texture are pure perfection. Their Kakori Kebab (Rs 585) is well made and melts in the mouth. Also worth trying are the Lucknow Seekh Kebabs (Rs 585) that are made with lamb and perfectly spiced. They are a little pricey but we feel it’s a real treat and perfect bar food if you’re stopping by for an after work drink. If you’re in the mood for something more filling, and there on the weekend, try their other specialty the Hyderbadi Haleem — a combination of meat and wheat.
Where Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Gate 4 & 5, Keshva Rao, Mahalaxmi
ZAFFRAN * * * *
This popular fine-dining restaurant may have started out as an indulgent late night eatery in South Mumbai and a little shoot-off in Andheri, but it’s fast becoming one of the best places to have kebabs in this city. There’s nothing quite like their Gosht Chello Kebab (Rs 475) and you have to try their Pink Salmon Tikka at least once, even though at Rs 875 it’s a one-time extravagance. Our favourite is the Zaffrani Galouti Kebab (Rs 475), which will melt in your mouth.
Where 3rd Floor, Infiniti Mall, Malad (W)
NICE KEBABS *
Santacruz West lacks food options. It needs a burger joint, some Thai food, a better pub than Loca Loca, and a closer vegetarian restaurant than Vrindavan. We could go on, but let’s stop there. What it doesn’t need is another kebab joint. For that we have Nice Fast Food Corner, which has been in existence since 1969 and hopefully in business forever. As the name indicates, the food isn’t mind-blowing or amazing, it is... well, nice. At their prices, you’ll be overjoyed either way (Rs 60 for a plate of Seekh + Naan + Thums Up! Is it 2005?). Once open at 6:45pm, you’ll find a steady flow of customers (mostly in cars) until closing time at 11pm. They come for the delicious baida roti, the melt in the mouth khiri and our personal favourite, the tikkas.
Where Near St. Teresa Convent School, SV Road, Santacruz (W)
YASIN’S FOOD INN * *
If you are looking for kebabs with a twist then Yasin’s Food Inn at Lokhandwala won’t disappoint you. The best among the variety that we’ve had is Schezwan Tandoori Chicken Kebab (Rs 310). The chicken is the balance of crispy and soft and the mouth watering masala is unlike the others that we’ve had. And it’s not just us who vouch for Food Inn’s kebabs. Dakshin Adyanthaya, co-founder of the food blog Bhooka Janta, also goes gaga over this restaurant’s kebabs and says that they are a must-try.
Where 1st Cross Lane, Lokhandwala
TANDOORI TADKA *
Tandoori Tadka in Santacruz is famous for their Mutton Kebabs (Rs 150). We decided to find out if the popular opinion held true for us and were delighted that we weren’t let down. Pair them with their soft parathas and this will be one of the most memorable and reasonable meals that you’ll ever have.
Where Ghaya Compound, Hasanabad Lane, Near Shifa Khana Hospital, Santacruz (W)
SARVI *
Sarvi is the perfect example of ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover.’ Have a look at the restaurant from the outside and you’ll be sceptical about anything that it offers. But, nudge the culinary adventurous streak in you and you’ll be glad that you took a chance. The Seekh Kebabs (Rs 14 per piece) are something you don’t want to miss out on. If you don’t fancy sitting there and eating, place a takeaway order but do try their kebabs. They are perfectly charred on the outside, soft on the inside, mildly spiced and have a wonderful minty tinge to them.
Where Dimtimkar Road, Opposite Nagpada Police Station, Byculla (W)
KEBAB CORNER *
The address might put off a few people, but if you’re looking to delight your taste buds with delicious kebabs, a visit to Kebab Corner is a must. Do not expect much from the décor, but what you can expect is flavourful, aromatic, juicy and soft kebabs that you’ll want more of. Their Nimbu Chicken (Rs 160) is a must-try — as their menu proudly proclaims, and we whole-heartedly agree. If you prefer your food spicy, try their Chili Chicken (Rs 160) or the Paneer Chili (Rs 150) which is another of their specialties. However, to ensure that you don’t miss out on all that they have to offer, we’d recommend that you go for ordering a platter of non-vegetarian kebabs (Rs 450).
Where New Malini Apartments, Mahakali Caves Road, Mahakali, Andheri (E)
HOUSE OF ASIA * * *
If a high-end, formal restaurant is what you want, then House of Asia is where you should go for kebabs. However, it’s not just fine-dining that gets the restaurant a place on this list. It is their authentic kebabs that set House of Asia apart from other fine- dining restaurants. They have incorporated recipes with the help of the Qureshi Brothers — a name synonymous with Indian food for over two centuries now. House of Asia has unique offerings such as Chukandar ke kabab, Malai Tawa Kabab and Mutton Irani Seek (Rs 300 to Rs 400).
Where House of Asia, Mirador Hotel, New Link Road, Chakala, Andheri (E)
BARBEQUE NATION * * *
Barbeque Nation has long been known for its delectable live-on-your-table barbecues. However, the biggest plus point is that, unlike most other kebab places, it has a wide variety of kebabs for vegetarians. And in terms of taste, both the non-vegetarian as well as the vegetarian kebabs are good. The overall experience might not be as great as a few of the other restaurants on this list, but it’s still worth a visit. They follow an unlimited buffet system which starts with a variety of barbecued meats, vegetables and paneer and ends with traditional Indian food. However, a tip — skip the main course and enjoy the kebabs.
Where Barbeque Nation outlets in the city