Recent research by historians into the emperors’ epicurean habits mentioned in books like Akbarnama, Ain-i-Akbari and Alwan-e-Nemat has shed new light into Mughlai cuisine. Interesting details like the fact that, each grain for a Mughlai biryani was coated with silver oil or that rainwater from the Ganges was used for cooking, have emerged. While Babur appreciated the food from his native Samarkhand, Humayun brought Iranian influences into food, while Akbar’s marriage to Princess Jodha caused a fusion of Persian and Rajput cooking. While many people perceive the Mughals as avid non-vegetarians, emperors like Akbar and Aurangzeb rarely indulged in meat.

Shah Jahan is credited with introducing more of ingredients with medicinal properties like turmeric, cumin, coriander and red chillies and with the promotion of the ‘Dum cooked Biryani’, which has proven to be a culinary masterpiece of the Mughal Era . This type of biryani is made by cooking meat, in its own juices, on low flame with a concoction of herbs and spices making it savory, tender and aromatic. Dum cooked Biryani is the signature dish of the Gazebo chain of restaurants in the UAE, which specializes in the preparation of Mughlai dishes.

Mr.Irfan Gaya, the Managing Director at Gazebo, says, “It gives us great pride in being part of such a rich legacy and it is our honor to prepare dishes that once grazed the palates of the great Mughals”. Boasting the presence of chefs who are descendents of the original Bawarchi chefs of the court, the restaurant uses recipes that are delightfully authentic. Since its inception in 2006, the Gazebo chain of restaurants has grown to 11 branches sprawling across Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi. Offering delectable cuisines from Awadh, Lucknow and Hyderabad, Gazebo has been voted one of the top restaurants in the UAE on the Trip Advisor and received raving reviews from prominent food critics and popular media outlets. For an interplay of flavors that is a feast to the senses, visit Gazebo and be immersed in the ‘Nirvana’ that constitutes a Mughlai platter.

For more information, visit www.gazebo.ae or send an email at [email protected].