Nizam’s Kathi Kabab – Connaught Place, New Delhi

Contributed by Amit Uppal

We had just endured a rather boring movie at PVR Plaza, Connaught Place, and were famished. I remembered someone talking about Nizam’s Kathi Kebab right next to PVR Plaza, and decided to give it a try. We didn’t have to find the place, it came right to us – as we came out of the exit of the movie hall, we found ourselves bang in front of it! Though not very difficult to locate, you might have to ask for directions if you’re new to the area.

Nizam’s Kathi Kabab is frequented by those wanting to catch a quick bite, and foreigners. By the way, this branch of Nizam’s has nothing to do with the famous original Nizam’s of Calcutta (now Kolkata). This is an independently run establishment, with a few other outlets in parts of NCR.

Much like an English pub, Nizam’s Kathi Kabab looks serene from the outside and  has a self-service module. You go to the counter, pay for what you want and are given a slip, which you exchange at the food delivery counter for your order. There is a waiting time of about 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of customers present. The menu is mostly Kebab Rolls, with a vast variety of fillings ranging from Potato Masala, Paneer and Mushroom to variants of mutton and chicken, with or without eggs. The portions of meat can be single or double, as preferred. They also have a selection of curries and other tandoori fare, which are mostly non-vegetarian.

The decor of the place is fairly run-of-the-mill and remniscent of most fast food outlets. The layout includes chairs and tables for about 25 people and an area where about 10 people eat, standing up. Posters of Hindi movies adorn the roof. When inquired, we were told that the owner perhaps saw it somewhere and decided to do the same to his restaurant.

The word ‘Kebab” or “Kabab” has a Persian origin. Kathi kebabs are commonly referred to as pieces of mutton or chicken, marinated with spices, grilled in a tandoor, and stuffed inside a roti (unleavened bread). Actually, the roti does not form a part of the standard Kathi Kebab. The name comes from the wooden skewers (called Kathi) used to grill the meat. It is prepared with a mix of spices, and cooked over red-hot coal in a tandoor (a bell-shaped earthen pot). The pieces of meat are slowly cooked by the heat of burning coal, with the fire not in direct contact with the meat. The juices remain inside the meat, adding flavor and giving it a succulent and tender bite. Akin to its big brother, Tandoori Chicken, Kathi Kebabs have traveled the world over, and have become as well known as the former.

We ordered a Kali Mirch Chicken Tikka Roll (Rs 130), a Paneer Egg Roll (Rs 110), a portion of Mumtazi Gosht Korma (Rs 170) and a portion of Bombaia Keema Pao (Rs 110). It took the standard 10 minutes for our order to arrive. The Kali Mirch Chicken Roll was good, the chicken succulent and the spices just right. The rolls at Nizam’s Kathi Kabab are served with green mint chutney and a spicy onion salad. The Paneer Egg Roll was good too, overflowing with mildly spiced Paneer (Cottage Cheese). One good thing about their rolls is the large quantity of the filling, and the consistent taste down to the last bite. The Mumtazi Gosht Korma however was a letdown. Apart from not looking very appealing, it was overspiced and I wouldn’t order it again. The Bombaia Keema Pao was served with two Paos (soft buns made with flour) and was well cooked. BTW, the rolls are a meal in themselves, so you wouldn’t need to eat anything else after you’ve downed a couple.

Recommended for a quick bite, especially the rolls.

-Amit

Meal for Two: 350 | Credit Cards: NO | Alcohol: NO | Takeaway: YES | Home Delivery: YES

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