THE Great Awadhi Kebab Festival at Oudh 1590 has a delectable surprise for sea-food lovers this year. Are you thinking another fish kebab, maybe? Nope! “This is the sixth year of the festival. We hope our guests enjoy our new varieties of exotic kebabs, which are the result of extensive research and frequent visits to Lucknow over the years,” say Shiladitya Chaudhury and Debaditya Chaudhury, partners at Oudh 1590.
Royal repast
The décor instantly caught our attention as we entered the diner at Hemanta Mukherjee Sarani. The life-size painting of two swirling Kathak dancers was in stark contrast to the dark brown interiors inspired by the ornate architecture of the Mughal era. The crystal chandelier at the centre added a pleasant glow to the room. As we settled in, songs of Begum Akhtar filled the room, setting the mood for a royal treat. Arriving first on the copper coated cutlery was the Lasooni Jhinga that whetted our appetite with its strong garlic aroma. The flavourful prawn with burnt edges was served with pickled onion and three varieties of condiments — yoghurtbased plain raita, a sweet tomato and mango-based chutney and the classic mint chutney. We choose the last one, not disputing with the classic combination of mint chutney and kebab and devoured every bit of the dish.
Wrap and roll
Next up was the Murg Sutli Kebab, wrapped in a banana leaf. The sutli kebab, in cylindrical form, was made in paturi style (wrapped in leaves and shallow-fried) and had a cheesy twist. We loved the velvety texture of the tandoori delight and it tasted heavenly with raita. The khansama has really mastered the culinary art of fusion recipes.For vegetarians, the selection is limited but you won’t be disappointed. The square-shaped Paneer Zafrani Kebab tasted best with sweet mango chutney. The Bharwaan Aloo Tandoori with a filling of cottage cheese and khoya packed a sweet punch thanks to the raisins. One can also opt for the tasty Tandoori Achari Phool.
Crab kebab, anyone?
The kebab festival at this 120-seater restaurant is giving sea-food lovers more reason to celebrate this year. The sea-food selection that has already won our hearts with options like Sarson Mahi Tikka and Smoked Tandoori Lobster has come up with its newly curated Crab Shammi Kebab. The disc shaped-kebab served with a fresh salad, had a dry texture. The minced crab meat mixed with choicest of spices and sattu, ended our date with the kebabs on a flavourful note. Till February 18, at all three outlets of the restaurant. Meal for two: `850 +taxes