Akbari Gate Opens at JW Marriott Bengaluru: A Royal Culinary Tribute to Awadh

If walls could talk, the Akbari Darwaza in Lucknow would whisper stories of silken kebabs, perfumed biryanis, and courtly gatherings that shaped a kingdom’s culinary identity. Now, those whispers find voice in Bengaluru as JW Marriott’s JW Kitchen unveils Akbari Gate, a limited-period gastronomic showcase that resurrects the flavours of Awadh with rare authenticity.

Chef Abdul Haleem isn’t just leading this showcase—he’s carrying forward a living legacy. Raised in a family of Awadhi khansamas, he brings more than skill to the table; he brings stories. Each dish on the Akbari Gate menu feels less like something cooked and more like something remembered.

It all begins with playful yet rooted starters—Heeng Muttur ke Asharfi and Kabuli Kaju Shammi—small bites that surprise you with their depth. Then come the richer flavours: Murgh Tikka Murshid and the softly layered Keeme ke Tikiya. And right at the centre is the standout—Dora Kebab. Tied with thread, melting in seconds, it’s not just a dish—it’s tradition on a plate. No gimmicks, no fusion. Just the real thing, handed down, one generation to the next.Mains like Paneer Aish-e-Anaar, Gosht Rezaala, and Dal Teen Ratan are slow-cooked symphonies of richness, while live food counters turn out theatrical preparations like Raan ke Moti and Surkh Tawa Barrah, capturing the vibrancy of Awadhi street food culture with panache. Even biryanis here go off-script—Kathal Biryani and Bataanjan Alubukhara Biryani highlight seasonal produce and old-school spice layering that rewards the patient diner.

The finale? A soulful serving of Sheer Khurma—not just dessert, but a memory folded in milk, vermicelli, and nostalgia. It ties the experience back to its roots, reminding diners that some flavours transcend time and celebration.

“This is a tribute to the royal kitchens of Awadh,” says Chef Haleem. “We’re not just presenting food, we’re offering a cultural journey through recipes preserved over generations.”In an age where fusion often overshadows foundation, Akbari Gate reclaims the past with grace and integrity. It’s not just a meal—it’s an invitation to step through a historic threshold and rediscover India’s culinary soul.

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