Let us tell you the story of our family’s legacy—the story of Tunday Kebabs. This isn’t just a tale of food; it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and the culinary soul of Lucknow..
It all began in the late 17th century with our great-grandfather, Haji Murad Ali, the man behind the magic. You see, he wasn’t just any cook; he was a genius in the kitchen. But life wasn’t always kind to him. After losing one of his arms in a fall, people doubted his ability to cook. Yet, his determination only grew stronger. With just one arm, he perfected a kebab so soft, so flavorful, that it could silence even the harshest critics. That’s why they called him Tunda a name that would eventually become synonymous with one of the world’s most famous kebabs.
The real turning point came during the time of Nawabs. The Nawab had a problem, his love for meat was unmatched, but his teeth were failing him. So, he issued a challenge: who could create the softest, most flavorful kebabs that required no chewing?
Hundreds of chefs across Awadh tried, but it was our great-grandfather who stole the show. His kebabs, prepared with over 160 secret spices and tenderized with raw papaya, melted in the mouth and won the Nawab’s heart.
From that moment on, Tunday Kebabs became a royal favorite, and our family’s reputation soared. Haji Murad Ali continued perfecting his recipe, using ingredients so rare that some of them had to be sourced from across the seas.
Even today, we still follow his tradition, and let us tell you—the exact recipe? It’s a family secret. Only a few of us know it, and it’s passed down like a treasure, never written down, only spoken.
The first shop was set up in Lucknow’s Chowk in 1905. That’s where it all started. Customers from all walks of life would gather—not just to eat but to experience the magic. People would marvel at the kebabs’ softness, the balance of spices, and how each bite told a story.
As the years passed, our family expanded the legacy, opening more branches while ensuring the original taste remained untouched.
Even today, when you taste a Tunday Kebab, you’re tasting history. You’re tasting the Nawab’s Lucknow, the legacy of Haji Murad Ali , and the dedication of generations who have kept the tradition alive. To us, Tunday Kebabs are more than food; they’re a tribute to our great-grandfather’s resilience and his unwavering passion for excellence.
So, when you come to Tunday Kababi, remember you’re not just eating kebabs. You’re part of a story that began centuries ago, in the heart of Lucknow, with a one-armed man who proved that true artistry knows no limits.
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