Almost an institution in itself, this restaurant stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Behind the growing popularity of Indian cuisines are restaurants like Ghar-e-Kabab of Hotel Annapurna, Durbarmarg. Ghar-e-Kabab is a legendary eatery which has been serving its customers with the wonderful Mughlai cuisines since 1978.  

Fancy though it may be, the restaurant is surprisingly lively, and the room wide open and airy which may seem atypical of places serving this kind of food at first glance. However, make no mistake- Ghar-e-Kabab is fine dining at its most serious. The staff here are polite yet focused like they’re on a mission. While their formality can feel a little bit awkward at times, their knowledge and focus is appreciated when eating at this level. The rich colours, the fine fabrics and the glow of the tableware provide the perfect backdrop for fine dining accompanied each evening by the live mellow sounds of ghazals, old and new.

Ghar-e-Kabab is home to the wonders of the Mughlai kitchen. You can ask for your usual Chicken Tikka Masala here or can get the chicken in about fifteen other ways. However, and if you’re vegetarian (or a vegan), there are many great options for you as well. There are some signature dishes here that you absolutely must order. But the menu is huge and you probably won’t be able to tackle them all in one sitting unless you’re eating with a really big group. The non-vegetarian starter Gosht Mulayam Kabab (smoked boneless mutton marinated in a special Rajasthani style and cooked in a clay oven) is so tender that it melts in your mouth. Also, Murg Reshmi Seekh Kabab (tender kebabs prepared from minced chicken, and nuts, marinated in spices and finished with coriander) is a must try here. Or, if you want to try different kebabs at once, you can ask for the Ghar-e-Kabab Special Platter. The platter includes any four kinds of kebabs served with Kachumber Salad. The main course dishes like Badami Gosht (mutton cooked in Nawabi style with a cardamom and cashew nut gravy) and Butter Chicken (clay oven roasted chicken simmered in an onion and black pepper gravy) are mouth watering.

On the vegetarian side, dishes like Malai Kofta Makhmali (dumplings of cottage cheese simmered with tomato and cashew nut gravy) and Bharwan Tandoori Mushroom (fresh button mushroom stuffed with cottage cheese, cashew nuts and Indian spices) are absolutely delicious. Finally, you should not miss Mughlai desserts like Kulfi Falooda (frozen thickened pistachio flavoured milk served with vermicelli).  

Ghar-e-Kabab has 13 service and 11 kitchen staff. According to Executive Sous Chef Santosh Subedi KC, a good chef doesn’t need a menu. “He or she likes to create their own fusions in a variety of cuisines,” he says. The restaurant which is open from 1PM to 10 at night also hosts small birthday celebrations, corporate meetings and other gatherings.

Whether you’re here for a celebration or any other reason, this place always manages to hit your palate in the right places. If you are looking for an excellent restaurant with amazing food, great ambience with excellent music, Ghar-e-kabab is a must visit!