Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the COO of Paradise Biryani, MR. ROBINDER SINGH to dive into the captivating story behind one of Hyderabad’s most iconic culinary landmarks. What started as a humble café in a Secunderabad cinema in 1953 has blossomed into a beloved institution, delighting locals and visitors with aromatic flavors and unmatched hospitality.
Introducing “Jashn‑e‑Kebab” – A Grill Lover’s Paradise: My Experience at Paradise’s NH44 Kebab Festival Launch
If there’s one thing I absolutely love, it’s exploring India’s rich culinary heritage—especially when it comes to kebabs. So when I heard about Paradise’s NH44 Kebab Festival launch, I knew I was in for a treat. Known far and wide for their legendary biryani, Paradise has truly outdone themselves by bringing together the best kebabs from ten Indian states, all tracing the iconic National Highway 44. And let me tell you, it was a mouthwatering journey I won’t forget anytime soon. This festival is no ordinary food event. It’s a celebration of flavors that stretch all the way from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir down to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, covering states like Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Each kebab is a story in itself, crafted with handpicked regional spices and authentic recipes that speak to the unique culinary traditions of each region.
Tasting My Way Through 10 Legendary Kebabs
As I dined across the menu, each kebab felt like a delicious stop on a grand Indian food highway:
- Zafrani Kalmi Kebab (Jammu & Kashmir): Delicately spiced with saffron, these tender chicken pieces were fragrant and perfectly smoky—a true taste of the mountains.
- Patiala Tangdi Kebab (Punjab): Robust, juicy, and marinated with earthy spices, this kebab was a hearty tribute to Punjabi flavors.
- Peshawari Tangdi Kebab (Delhi): With its rich, aromatic marinade, it felt like a bite straight out of the bustling streets of the capital.
- Bhuna Chicken Tikka (Uttar Pradesh): Deeply spiced and grilled to perfection, this one had a beautiful balance of heat and tanginess.
- Reshmi Malai Kebab (Madhya Pradesh): Creamy, smooth, and melt-in-the-mouth soft, the malai gave it an irresistibly rich texture.
- Guntur Chicken Tikka (Andhra Pradesh): Bold and fiery, the chili-laden marinade packed a punch true to Andhra’s reputation for heat.
- Nilgiri Chicken Tikka (Telangana): Infused with fresh herbs from the Nilgiri hills, it was refreshingly flavorful.
- Salem Chicken Tikka (Tamil Nadu): The smoky, spicy notes reminded me of authentic South Indian grilling techniques.
- Thecha Paneer Tikka (Maharashtra) [Vegetarian]: A fiery vegetarian delight, perfectly spiced with thecha chutney flavors.
- Mathania Paneer Tikka (Rajasthan) [Vegetarian]: Rustic and aromatic, this tikka carried the essence of desert spices beautifully.
More Than Just Food—A Celebration of Unity
What struck me most was how the NH44 Kebab Festival wasn’t just about food; it was about bringing people together. As Mr. Robinder Singh, COO of Paradise, said, this festival is “about people bonding over real Indian flavours — across cultures, across cities.” Indeed, sitting there savoring each kebab, I felt connected to the diverse regions and their culinary stories.
FINAL BITE
The festival is available at all Paradise outlets across India, both for dine-in and takeaway, so if you want to embark on this incredible food journey, there’s no better time. Whether you’re a kebab lover or someone looking to explore new tastes, the NH44 Kebab Festival is a deliciously diverse menu that celebrates India’s rich culinary tapestry. Paradise’s NH44 Kebab Festival is a must-try for anyone who loves authentic, regional Indian flavors. The combination of carefully curated kebabs, the story of NH44, and the spirit of unity made my experience truly special. Can’t wait to go back and savor these amazing kebabs all over again!
Have you tried any of these regional kebabs before? Which one’s your favorite? Let me know!
