Exploring the Royal Flavours of Mughlai Cuisine

SUHEL AHMED • 17 August 2023

Mughlai cuisine, a culinary art form originating in the medieval times of the Mughal Empire, has left an indelible mark on the history and flavours of Indian food. Known for its opulent character and aromatic ingredients, Mughlai dishes are the epitome of indulgence, and at Tower Tandoori, we offer a decadent journey through this lavish cuisine, set against the backdrop of an elegant and inviting atmosphere. As one of London’s oldest Indian restaurants, we pride ourselves on showcasing the best of Mughlai gastronomy with its fragrant spices, rich sauces, and tender, perfectly cooked meats and vegetables.


The Mughals, a Central Asian dynasty that ruled over much of India from the 16th to 19th centuries, brought with them a culinary heritage that beautifully married their Persian and Uzbek origins with the flavours and ingredients of the Indian subcontinent. The result was a cuisine marked by richness, complexity, and unparalleled creativity, one which still entrancingly weaves its way through the menus of Indian restaurants around the world, including Tower Tandoori.


Our menu features an impressive array of Mughlai dishes, each lovingly prepared by our skilled chefs using time-honoured techniques, high-quality ingredients, and a dedication to authenticity. From the creamy, aromatic sheerness of the Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) to the slow-cooked, fragrant splendour of Nihari Gosht, our Mughlai offerings at Tower Tandoori encapsulate the vibrant history and opulent luxury of Imperial India.


Step into our warmly lit, elegant dining space and be transported into a world of regal indulgence as you savour the finest Mughlai dishes expertly crafted by our culinary team. Let the captivating aromas and rich flavours of our Mughlai menu guide you on a gastronomic tour through the centuries-old legacy of a cuisine that has stood the test of time, transcending borders to bring the taste of a lavish royal feast to the heart of London.


A Royal Legacy: The History and Origins of Mughlai Cuisine


Mughlai cuisine traces its roots back to the 16th-century Mughal Empire, which blended the sophisticated flavours of Central Asian, Persian, and North Indian culinary styles with the herbs, spices, and local ingredients of India. The resulting food emerged as a blend of intense flavours, decadent textures, and aromatic spices, perfectly crafted to emulate the opulence of the Mughal court. In this section, let's explore a brief history and how Tower Tandoori incorporates these culinary traditions in our dishes:


- Influences from Far and Wide: The Mughal emperors brought to India their refined Central Asian and Persian gastronomical practices, which, when merged with the vibrant Indian culinary scene, gave birth to a unique and indulgent fusion of flavours. At Tower Tandoori, we strive to preserve the essence of this fusion by incorporating techniques, spices, and ingredients spanning across Central Asia, Persia, and India.


- Feasts Fit for Kings: Mughlai cuisine has always been associated with feasts of grandeur, signifying a regal dining experience worthy of the imperial courts. With a commitment to upholding this legacy, Tower Tandoori serves dishes that evoke the spirit of timeless indulgence, ensuring that every meal is a gastronomic affair to remember.


Crowning Jewels of Mughlai Cuisine: Signature Dishes at Tower Tandoori


Our Mughlai menu at Tower Tandoori is a cornucopia of iconic dishes, each one representing the splendour and sophistication that defines this culinary tradition. Some of our signature Mughlai delights include:


- Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken): Widely adored for its tender, juicy chicken pieces smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, Murgh Makhani is a quintessential Mughlai dish that has captured hearts around the world. Our chefs at Tower Tandoori prepare this comfort food classic with meticulous care and attention, ensuring that our patrons are treated to the ultimate Butter Chicken experience.


- Nihari Gosht: A soul-warming, slow-cooked stew made with lamb shanks, Nihari Gosht is the epitome of Mughlai indulgence. Our version is prepared using a skilful blend of spices, herbs, and aromatics that come together in harmonious unison, creating a dish that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.


Vegetarian Splendours: Meatless Wonders of Mughlai Cuisine


While Mughlai cuisine is often praised for its robust meat dishes, the vegetarian offerings are no less delightful. At Tower Tandoori, our Mughlai menu features a variety of vegetarian creations that capture the essence and opulence of the culinary tradition:


- Shahi Paneer: A royal treat to the senses, Shahi Paneer features juicy cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cooked in a silky, luscious tomato-based gravy that derives its richness from ground cashews and a medley of aromatic spices. This vegetarian masterpiece is as indulgent and satisfying as any meat dish, providing a perfect option for those seeking a meat-free Mughlai feast.


- Navratan Korma: This gem of a dish ensnares the palate with a myriad of flavours and colours, presenting a medley of vegetables, nuts, and fruits delicately cooked in a subtly sweet and mildly spiced creamy sauce. At Tower Tandoori, our Navratan Korma exemplifies the philosophy of "unity in diversity", combining multiple ingredients in a beautiful harmony that befits the regal origins of Mughlai cuisine.


The Sweet Conclusion: Dessert Delicacies to Complete the Mughlai Experience


No Mughlai feast is complete without an array of sumptuous desserts to round off the indulgence. Tower Tandoori offers an array of delightful Mughlai sweets that are perfect for soothing the senses after a feast of spicy, rich dishes:


- Shahi Tukda: This opulent bread pudding is the perfect embodiment of Mughlai extravagance, featuring deep-fried bread slices soaked in sugar syrup, topped with a rich and creamy layer of condensed milk and garnished with a generous sprinkling of almonds, pistachios, and saffron.


- Kulfi: Considered the Indian counterpart of ice cream, Kulfi is a frozen delight made with sweetened and flavoured milk that has been reduced slowly to achieve a rich, creamy consistency. Tower Tandoori's Kulfi, available in an assortment of flavours like mango, pistachio, and almond, serves as the ideal conclusion to any Mughlai feast.


A Regal Dining Experience Awaits at Tower Tandoori


At Tower Tandoori, we invite you to partake in the grandeur of Mughlai cuisine, savouring dishes that tell the story of an imperial legacy brought to life by our skilled chefs. Join us in our elegant dining space as we transport you through the captivating world of Mughlai gastronomy, serving up a symphony of flavours that spans centuries and crosses continents. Embrace the decadence and delight that await you at one of London's oldest Indian restaurants as we pay tribute to the rich and remarkable culinary heritage of Mughlai cuisine. Order from the
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