Hyderabad, July 23 -- In the quiet bylanes of old Hyderabad, where time lingers in the air like the scent of saffron and sandalwood, once reigned a kebab so royal, it belonged only to kings and khansamas. Today, that delicate delight of Shikampuri Kebab is fading from our plates and memories.

Born in Royal Kitchens

"Shikam" means stomach in Persian, and "puri" implies filled and together it refers to something that is stuffed at the center. So Shikampuri, meaning 'belly-full' and it is more than a kebab, it's a legacy. Created in the opulent kitchens of the Nizams, this kebab was crafted for discerning royal palates. The magic lies not just in its rich outer layer of spiced minced mutton, but in its cool, creamy heart: a filling of hung...