Circa 1896, Kakori was a quiet little hamlet near Lucknow.

It was destined to gain fame in 1925 during the historic Kakori Train Robbery. The daring act of looting government treasury bags from a train was meticulously planned and executed by Indian revolutionaries against British rule, and came to be known as the Kakori Kand.

Amidst this historic backdrop, a talented and hardworking man, Nabbu Mian, was quietly laying the foundation of a legacy that would one day make Kakori renowned across generations. He sold kebabs at a local daawat (community gathering place), where his exceptional culinary skills earned admiration. It is said that a nobleman, impressed by his craft, blessed him—foretelling that these kebabs would sustain his family for generations. The words proved prophetic.

Nabbu Mian passed on this hunar (skill) to his son, Kallu Mian, who continued the tradition by preparing kebabs at the Lucknow City Station. Known fondly as “Kallu Kebabswala,” his reputation spread far and wide. His son, Ishtiaq Ahmed, further honed his skills under his guidance.

Together, they carried forward the rich tradition of Awadhi cuisine, serving at elite gatherings, parties, and functions across the country—from Rampur to Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bombay.

Their kebabs were relished by top industrialists, Bollywood celebrities, and prominent politicians, cementing their place in India’s culinary heritage.

A star had been born!

Asifaq, his son, learned from the very best and perfected the family’s ‘hunar’ (craft). He has embarked on an ambitious journey of expansion, bringing the world the most succulent kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and exquisitely crafted gourmet delights.

Kakori — the Emperor of Kebabs — melts in your mouth within seconds, leaving behind a taste that lingers for a lifetime.

The Kakori kebab embodies the true nazakat (delicacy) and nafaasat (refinement) of Awadhi cuisine. Prepared using carefully selected prime meat, tenderized with raw papaya and finely ground, it is infused with a precise blend of 52 handpicked spices. Gently barbecued on skewers and served with its signature mint and onion chutney, this exquisite delicacy remains a closely guarded family secret.

What Are You Waiting For?

A legacy over a century old can only be experienced, not just told…