By Pamela Nandi | June 05, 2018

When we talk about true Awadhi Cuisine, it gives us feeling about the rich gastronomy of the Nawabi culture from the city of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh that is inherited from its ancestors and gradually carried forward from one generation to another. Mostly the cuisine has its influence from the Middle East, Central Asia and Northern India with its cooking style inspired by the Mughals.

Before articulating about the richness of Awadhi cuisines, let me introduce the star of my today’s story – Mrs Manzilat Fatima, the owner of her royal Awadhi kitchen ‘Manzilat’s‘ located in the premises of Kasba Industrial Estate (behind Ruby Hospital), Kolkata. Born in Kolkata, she hails from the direct descendant of Sultan Wajid Ali Shah, the Royal family and rich heritage of Awadh.

The recipe hails from her mother’s royal kitchen who in turn has been inspired by her mother-in-law (Manzilat’s paternal grandmom). Her ability to exhibit the gastronomic skills by presenting Royal Authentic Awadhi Cuisines is outstanding, showered with lots of compliments from her relatives, friends and finally touched the heart of Kolkata food lovers.

The journey to execute her culinary skills publicly started by launching a Pop Up event and gradually carried forward through small orders, home deliveries which helped to boost her confidence to the next level. A celebrated award-winning ‘Home Chef‘, Mrs Manzilat Fatima has been crowned with this title by the media, who is not only recognized in Kolkata but also a well-known figure across the country.

Manzilat at her kitchen

I am fortunate to personally meet this royal lady on two of social occasions –

A pop-up event hosted by Manzilat and another was during the launch of her 2 exquisite Beef Cuisines.

Coming to the first occasion of our meet –

This was a pop-up event hosted by Mrs Manzilat Fatima at her terrace dine-in studio in the premises of Kasba Industrial Estate which can accommodate a maximum of 15 guests at a time.  Joined this event with a couple of fellow food bloggers on a Saturday evening for dinner to indulge my taste buds into authentic Awadhi dishes.

The specially curated menu designed by her comprised of –

Mutton Galawati Kebabs – one of the jewels of Awadhi bawarchikhana (kitchen) made of minced mutton garnished with onion rings and split green chillies
Superb -simply melted in the mouth


Mutton Handi Kebabs – Fried kebabs are simmered in a handi (clay pot) with a quick dry spicy curry.
Punched with a mouthful of flavours.



Beef Pasanda – ribbons of meats marinated in yoghurt, cream, nuts and secret spices, grilled and served with soft parathas.
The meat was tender and exceptionally pleasing in terms of taste and fragrance.

Mutton Biryani with Beef Shami kebab
Biryani tasted very light with full of fresh ingredients and Mutton perfectly cooked

Mutton Biryani with Beef Shami kebab

Sahi Badam Halwa – ghee-laden saffron flavoured and creamy texture served with nuts.
Tasted just out of the world, have no words to express.

The Bloggers Team with Manzilat Fatima –

My second meeting with Manzilat was during launch of her 2 extraordinary finger licking Beef Cuisines in order to revamp the food menu.

Beef Boti Kebab (Appetizer)
Beef Dopiaza served with Ulte Tawa Ke Parathe (MainCourse)

The Royal Awadhi Beef Haleem and Sahi Semaya came as special Ramadan Items.

Grand Dawat Spread

It was a Grand Dawat from her royal kitchen – a gastronomical treat for the FEEDING FRENZY – Foodies Journal team (Pamela Nandi, Ishani Barman and Ayan Bose). A royal family meal – no words to express our thanks to Manzilat for the food, fully enriched with the secret spices restored from her Mother’s royal recipe. Each of the items carried its own uniqueness in terms of flavours and richness. A glorious culinary legacy to experience and a very special moment for 3 of us too.

She presented her exotic Awadhi cuisines for the evening –

Beef Boti Kebab – Small pieces of beef marinated with yoghurt, spices and lemon, grilled and served with tomato slices, onion rings and split chillies.
Will make you drool with its smoky aroma and taste.

Beef Do Piyaza – The dish itself calls for lots of ‘onions’ added in 2 stages as caramelised and pearled forms.
Supremely tasty with full of rustic flavours.

Beef Haleem – Exquisite beef stew mixed with lentils was born in the royal kitchen of Awadhi King, a traditional Iftar meal consumed during Ramadan.
The wonderful flavours of spices were perfectly blended with slow cooked small pieces of meat and added stock which was pleasant and appetizing.

Ulte Tawa ke Parathe – savoured with Lucknow’s favourite melt-in-the-mouth dishes like Galawati Kebab. Ulta tawa means “inverted griddle.” This nawabi parantha is cooked on an inverted tawa which resembles a Kadai minus the handle.
Absolutely delicious, served with Beef Do Piyaza, just left a lingering taste to the buds.

Semaya for dessert – rich creamy saffron flavoured Semaya served with nuts
Simply mindblowing taste

All the dishes are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – a place where FOOD meets the SOUL and is different from what is served at the restaurant. It comes with personal homely touch in terms of good quality, flavour and texture, not too oily, perfectly balanced with spices to suit the taste buds. Absolutely phenomenal as she uses the best ingredients.

She has partnered with Zomato and Swiggy for home delivery with an additional facility of direct order which can be picked up. On prior 24 hours notice, she can arrange for a dine-in at her terrace studio.

The Feeding Frenzy Team ( Foodies Journal ) with Mrs Manzilat Fatima

Thanks a lot, Manzilat for your gracious hospitality and hard efforts in making the 2 evenings very memorable.

Please extend our warm thanks to your team as well for their brilliant service and their support.

Cheers !!!