It is no surprise that the city of Nawabs- ‘Lucknow’ has captured the imagination of numerous poets, songwriters, and history buffs. Lucknow never ceases to enchant its visitors, whether with its architectural wonders, rich literature, ‘khatirdari’ (hospitality), or our luxurious gastronomic offerings. However, while numerous vegetarian dishes contribute to the renown of Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow is particularly well-known for its meaty pleasures, particularly its juicy kebabs (Galouti, Sunday, Boti, and Chapli).
History of Tunday:
The history of the relationship between kebabs and the city of Lucknow stretches back hundreds of years. According to historians, the account has it that minced meat wonders were a typical morning dish in Awadh in the 14th century. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that the kebabs of Awadh underwent a revolution of sorts, and we can all thank a toothless nawab for that accomplishment.
For this particular Nawab of Awadh, food was always the number one priority. The passage of time had caught up with him, and he began to lose his teeth. But he was determined to continue eating kebabs. It appears that this was the impetus for creating a tournament. It was announced that the creator of the softest and most tender kebabs would now be granted royal patronage in perpetuity by the Nawab. Galouti kebabs, which are now famous around the world, were created as a result of this tournament.
Everyone had put their best foot forward, but it was Haji Murad Ali who came out on top in the competition. There is a very popular narrative about how the kebabs produced by Haji Murad Ali came to be known as Tunday ke kebab.
Haji Murad Ali was born with one arm. When he was a kid, he was playing with a kite and went off the balcony, breaking his left arm. Anyone with a hand handicap is known as a ‘Tunda’ in everyday speech. This led to the creation of Tunday ke kebabs, or Tunday’s kebabs.
The secret recipe for these kebabs has remained a closely guarded family relic. These famous kebabs are said to be made with a special blend of over 160 spices in order to achieve their distinctive flavor and texture. The women of the home have been passing down this recipe for generations. I
In 1905, Haji Murad Ali opened the first Sunday Kababi shop in the Chowk region of Delhi. The most fascinating feature is that the shop has remained in its original form for almost a century. Even today, the recipe for these kababs remains the same, and there have been genuine court cases to determine the authenticity of the recipe and the name.
That is how famous these delicious, scrumptious kebabs are. No trip to the city of Nawas is complete without a plate of galouti kebabs from Tunday. It has also become a lot easier to access these delicacies in the modern world. No more will you have to walk in the sweltering sun through the narrow lanes of Old Lucknow to get a taste of these delicacies. Today Tunday Kababi has many branches all over Lucknow. It also boasts of modern and luxurious dining areas that have a great ambiance for you to enjoy these kebabs with your friends and family.
The most famous and older two locations of Tunday in Lucknow, one at their original store in Lucknow’s Chowk and the other at their second store in Aminabad. Two restaurants, the first managed by the ‘grand man’ late Tunday Kebabi’s son himself, and the second by his grandson. Irrespective of the location, the kebabs are equally delicious in both locations. You can find other delicacies like shirmal and biryani.
Tunday kebabs are literally like poetry on a plate, and we do not say this lightly. You will be delightfully surprised by how delicately the soft minced beef is fashioned into thin kebabs. A few burned edges here, and this will then give these kebabs the ‘special touch.’ The spices, combined with the residual heat of the chiles, are tantalizing without being too overbearing. Freshly ground beef has a certain allure. All of this is wrapped up in a thin, crunchy paratha. It’s truly what a foodgasm feels like. Trust Us!
You have to believe us when we say that a journey to Lucknow is not complete without sampling the delectable Tundays! Alternatively, you may believe the countless celebrities who have visited this centuries-old shop and sampled the ecstasy that is known as Tunday Ke Kebab (Tuesday Ke Kebab in English). When we mention celebrities, we are referring to all of the well-known names in the industry, like Farhan Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurana, Pankaj Tripathi, and even the iconic Dilip Kumar, among others.
So much so that it has been claimed that Dilip Kumar was a huge fan of the Tunday Kebabs. When he visited the city of Lucknow, he made it a point to stop for these famed kebabs, which were always high on his list of things to do. Whenever Dilip Kumaar Sahab was unable to visit the Tunday Kebabi owing to circumstances related to his celebrity, the owners of this legendary eatery made certain that his kebabs were delivered to him.
So now that we have apprised you of the history of Tunday kebabs and the obvious delight that you will feel at tasting them, allow us to familiarise you with its numerous locations.
WHAT ARE THE LOCATION OF THE ORIGINAL TUNDAY OUTLETS IN LUCKNOW?
- The Chowk is the oldest and the OG outlet.
- Aminabad is a second option and the second oldest.
- Kapoorthala (also spelled Kapoorthala)
- Alambagh
- Kanpur Road
- Alambagh
- Telibagh comes next on the list.
- Rahim Nagar is the eighth location.
- Sahara Ganj Shopping Mall is the final and last one.
There is no need to get so confused about where to start; refer to our Tunday Guide below!
GO TO CHOWK BECAUSE-
This is the real deal. This is the first and, as a result, the most established branch of Tunday’s. This restaurant caters to individuals who like beef kababs over chicken. However, there isn’t much in the way of atmosphere and ambiance. The kababs here are still as delicious as the day they first opened their doors.
Approximate Price for each item: Rs. 2 per piece
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Near the Akbari Gate, Chowk is the location.
AMINABAD IS WORTH VISITING FOR…
Its historic charm. Mutton and beef kababs and a variety of other specialties are available at the newly remodeled location. Aside from the kababs, the biryani and chicken tangdi kababs are also both highly recommended.
The cost of a dish of four mutton kababs is Rs. 110; for a plate of four beef kababs, the cost is Rs. 70.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Aminabad’s Naaz Cinema Lane is the location.
TRAVEL TO KAPOORTHALA FOR…
A day out with the family. When you have visitors who are adamant about eating at Tunday’s, suggest that they visit the Kapoorthala location. Make a point of having a private family supper to savor your kababs as well.
The cost of a dish of four mutton kababs is Rs. 110; for a plate of four beef kababs, the cost is Rs. 70.
Hours of operation: 11.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Location of eatery: Tunday Towers, close to Novelty Cinema, Kapoorthala
MAKE YOUR WAY TO SAHARA GANJ MALL
When you wish to combine your shopping with a tasting of the kababs, this is the best option. There’s usually always a line at the Tunday outlet in the food court of Sahara Ganj Mall. But a brief bite to eat and a large buy later, and everything is well.
Price: Rs. 40 for a dish of two kababs (about).
The hours are 12 noon to 10:30 p.m.
Located at the Food Court of the Sahara Ganj Mall in Hazratganj
All of the locations are open seven days a week.
Happy Eating!!!
