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In pictures: Tracing the journey of the Royal Indian Hotel, Burrabazar

Established in 1905, the Mughlai food landmark — famous for its biryani and mutton chaap — turns 119 this year

My Kolkata Web Desk Published 11.08.24, 03:46 PM
Nestled near Nakhoda Masjid in Chitpur, Royal Indian Hotel has been a landmark for Mughlai food in Kolkata since 1905
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Nestled near Nakhoda Masjid in Chitpur, Royal Indian Hotel has been a landmark for Mughlai food in Kolkata since 1905

Amit Datta
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Back in 1905, Ahmed Hussain, from the nawabi kitchens of Lucknow, set up a modest eatery with only three dishes — Mutton Chaap, Mutton Qalia and Khushka, a variation of yellow pulao
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Back in 1905, Ahmed Hussain, from the nawabi kitchens of Lucknow, set up a modest eatery with only three dishes — Mutton Chaap, Mutton Qalia and Khushka, a variation of yellow pulao

Biryani was introduced in the 1940s by Hussain’s son Mehboob Ali. Think tender mutton enveloped in long-grain Basmati rice with a blend of saffron and spices
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Biryani was introduced in the 1940s by Hussain’s son Mehboob Ali. Think tender mutton enveloped in long-grain Basmati rice with a blend of saffron and spices

Amit Datta
The biryani at Royal Indian Hotel stayed true to Lucknow’s tradition, that is, without the alu, for decades. It was only in 2017 that the alu made an entry at its Park Circus branch!
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The biryani at Royal Indian Hotel stayed true to Lucknow’s tradition, that is, without the alu, for decades. It was only in 2017 that the alu made an entry at its Park Circus branch!

Amit Datta
Today, the menu has expanded to include many dishes — like the Mutton Pasanda, Mutton Raan Mussalam and Royal Lagan Chicken, but the signature item continues to be the Royal Mutton Chaap (pictured). The Sheermal Paratha is also a pop pick best paired with Galawati Kebab. End on a sweet note with their Shahi Tukra. During Ramadan, their Haleem is famous
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Today, the menu has expanded to include many dishes — like the Mutton Pasanda, Mutton Raan Mussalam and Royal Lagan Chicken, but the signature item continues to be the Royal Mutton Chaap (pictured). The Sheermal Paratha is also a pop pick best paired with Galawati Kebab. End on a sweet note with their Shahi Tukra. During Ramadan, their Haleem is famous

Amit Datta
Did you know that Royal’s Mughlai dishes have been a favourite of legends, fictional and real, like Feluda and Uttam Kumar? Even Chef Imtiaz Qureshi had a ‘royal’ connection as the two families shared a long-time friendship
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Did you know that Royal’s Mughlai dishes have been a favourite of legends, fictional and real, like Feluda and Uttam Kumar? Even Chef Imtiaz Qureshi had a ‘royal’ connection as the two families shared a long-time friendship

TT Archives
This picture is from the old days when Royal won the gold medal for being Kolkata’s Chop Champions. Today, the eatery is led by Saad Muhammad, fifth-generation custodian
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This picture is from the old days when Royal won the gold medal for being Kolkata’s Chop Champions. Today, the eatery is led by Saad Muhammad, fifth-generation custodian

@royalindiansince1905/Instagram
Earlier this year, Royal Indian Hotel at 147, Rabindra Sarani, revamped its interiors, transforming the first floor into a fully air-conditioned space
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Earlier this year, Royal Indian Hotel at 147, Rabindra Sarani, revamped its interiors, transforming the first floor into a fully air-conditioned space

Amit Datta

RELATED TOPICS

Heritage Eateries Biryani Restaurant Mughlai Cuisine Indian Food Burrabazar
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