WELCOME TO ALKAUSER
WELCOME TO ALKAUSER
Grand Chef Ashfaq Ahmed’s culinary journey began at the age of 10, learning alongside his father, Ishtiaq Ahmed, in the streets of Lucknow. From the very beginning, his passion, dedication, and natural talent stood out. As a testament to his lineage, Ashfaq was entrusted with the secret recipe of the legendary Kakori Kebab—a recipe passed down exclusively to him, preserving the family legacy.
He honed his skills at ITC Maurya, one of India’s leading five-star hotels, where his father had introduced the Kakori Kebab to elite diners. This experience instilled in Ashfaq the perfect balance of tradition and finesse, preparing him for a stellar culinary career. His journey then took him abroad, where he served as Head Chef at Sharjad Indian Restaurant in Jeddah, near Medina Road, mastering global palates over seven years.
Returning to India, Ashfaq founded Alkauser as a humble roadside kiosk on Sardar Patel Marg, just across Shama Kothi. There, he introduced the iconic “Wrap Kebab,” seamlessly blending innovation with tradition. Alkauser’s Kakori Kebab soon attained legendary status, establishing the brand as a household name by 1998–1999.
His excellence was recognized nationally, earning him the Udyog Rattan Award and accolades from the Government of India. Yet, Ashfaq Ahmed remained a man of humility, hard work, and integrity, building Alkauser with honor and passion. Today, his son, Arbaaz Ahmed, carries forward this legacy, ensuring that the secret flavors and proud heritage of Awadhi cuisine continue to delight generations to come.
Born in Delhi’s Kakori House, Arbaaz Ahmed grew up immersed in the legacy of Awadhi cuisine, learning its nuances from his father, Grand Chef Ashfaq Ahmed. Humble and dedicated, he spent every weekend in the kitchen, absorbing not only his father’s culinary secrets but also the values that define the family’s rich heritage.
After completing high school, he pursued professional training in Switzerland, undertaking a six-year program in Culinary Arts and Hotel & Business Management while working at prestigious five-star properties. During this time, he introduced Swiss diners to the delicate and refined flavors of Awadhi cuisine. He later studied Supply Chain Management in the United Kingdom, equipping himself with the expertise to scale a global brand.
Returning to India, Arbaaz expanded Alkauser from three outlets to twenty, establishing a centralized food production facility to ensure consistent quality and brand excellence. Honored with multiple accolades, including Best Restaurant in 2022 and 2023, his vision now extends beyond India to the UAE, Europe, and the United States—carrying forward his father’s legacy with humility, passion, and ambition.
Aisha Tasleem is a cornerstone of Alkauser Foods Pvt. Ltd., bringing over 27 years of unwavering dedication, financial expertise, and an intrinsic understanding of the brand’s culinary legacy. Born and raised in Lucknow — the city synonymous with Awadhi culture and refinement — Aisha has been instrumental in shaping Alkauser into the trusted name it is today.
With a strong academic foundation in accounts and finance, Aisha began her journey at Alkauser in 1998, taking charge of the financial and operational backbone of the business. From bookkeeping and accounting to maintaining the highest quality standards, she has been the quiet force ensuring that every aspect of the brand runs with precision and integrity.
As the wife of Grand Chef Ashfaq Ahmed, the culinary genius behind Alkauser’s iconic Awadhi flavours, Aisha did not merely observe greatness — she absorbed it. Over the decades, she immersed herself in the techniques, traditions, and philosophy of Awadhi cuisine, developing a deep understanding of the craft that few possess. Today, as Director of Alkauser Foods Pvt. Ltd., Aisha Tasleem leads with both the discipline of a seasoned professional and the passion of someone who has lived this legacy from its very foundation. Her vision continues to guide the brand forward, ensuring that the authenticity, quality, and royal heritage of Alkauser’s flavours remain uncompromised for generations to come.
To protect and promote the culinary heritage of Awadh To serve food that combines authentic taste, quality, and innovation To deliver unmatched customer experiences rooted in hospitality and excellence To expand globally through a zero-franchise model, ensuring every outlet is operated under our family’s guidance to maintain quality and authenticity To empower our employees by fostering growth, training, and opportunities for international exposure To innovate modern dining experiences while staying true to our traditions
To be acknowledged as the global custodian of Kakori Kebab and Awadhi cuisine, carrying the timeless flavors of Lucknow’s royal kitchens across the world, while preserving the authenticity, finesse, and culinary artistry that define Alkauser.
Alkauser is stepping into a new era of global growth. Our roadmap includes: Opening flagship restaurants in major international cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America Expanding premium catering services for luxury weddings, corporate events, and festivals Launching ready-to-cook gourmet products to bring Kakori Kebabs and other delicacies into households worldwide Establishing culinary academies to train the next generation of chefs in Awadhi cuisine Investing in innovation kitchens and R&D facilities to adapt authentic recipes for global tastes while preserving their heritage
Every dish at Alkauser is a promise of excellence. Using the choicest cuts of meat, the freshest produce, and a guarded blend of 52 spices, our kebabs and curries are crafted with royal care. Techniques such as raw papaya tenderization, sealed handis for biryanis, and time-honored grilling methods ensure flavors that melt in the mouth.
Our standards meet global benchmarks for hygiene, safety, and consistency. Whether you dine at Alkauser in Delhi, Dubai, London, or Zurich, the taste will always remain the same—authentic, rich, and unforgettable.
Alkauser is more than a restaurant—it is a family. We nurture our employees by offering career growth, international training, and financial security. Many of our chefs and team members have risen to become leaders in the culinary world. As we expand globally, our people carry the pride of Awadhi cuisine with them.
Ashfaq Bhai recreates the magic—and more. Alongside his sons, Chef Arbaaz and Arshan, his legendary passion for food is reflected in every detail. From reviving forgotten recipes to crafting his own, he has devoted himself to recreating the inimitable taste of Awadhi cuisine.
Ashfaq presents the gourmet delights of Awadhi cuisine at Al Kauser—kebabs that melt in your mouth and dum biryani that melts your heart.
There is a veritable Kebab-e-Khazana at Alkauser. Indulge in melt-in-the-mouth Kakori Kebabs and Galauti Kebabs, alongside perfectly chargrilled Chicken Malai Tikka and the delectable Chicken Seekh Kebabs.
The succulent Chicken Burrah is complemented by the unforgettable Makhmali Tandoori Chicken. Paired with Varqi Paratha—a delicately crisp, layered bread enriched with milk, almonds, and cashew nuts—it creates a truly indulgent experience.
Vegetarians are equally indulged with delicately fragrant Paneer Tikka, exquisitely stuffed Tandoori Aloo, Soya Chaap, and Veg Galauti. The tantalizing phirni offers a perfect harmony of earthy richness, delicate sweetness, and heavenly indulgence.
The Al Kauser Dum Biryani is a gourmet’s delight. Succulent, marinated mutton or chicken is slow-cooked with the finest roasted spices and saffron-scented rice in a traditional handi. The biryani is sealed with kneaded dough to preserve its rich flavors. When opened, the aroma of saffron instantly whets the appetite—the taste is truly divine.
Tantalising the taste buds of celebrities & kadradaans.
Ashfaq Bhai has delighted numerous celebrities, including Nargis Dutt, Sanjay Dutt, Anupam Kher, Jaya Bhaduri, Shatrughan Sinha, Kirti Azad, Shahnaz Husain, Feroz Khan, Fardeen Khan, Subrata Roy, Rajesh Pilot, and even the India national cricket team.
His ever-growing legion of admirers continues to celebrate the exquisite taste of authentic Awadhi cuisine, with its popularity rising year after year.
