Wandering through London with a proper craving and thinking, “Where can I find the best kebabs […]
Malai Tikka (Chicken Kebab)
About This Dish
Malai Tikka is a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken kebab that features tender pieces of chicken breast. These chicken chunks are marinated in a rich, velvety blend of fresh cream, yoghurt, cheese, and mild spices. The marinade is infused with subtle notes of cardamom, white pepper, and garlic, creating a smooth, aromatic base that deeply penetrates the meat. Once marinated, the chicken is slowly grilled in a traditional tandoor so that it develops a golden crust while staying juicy and soft inside. The mild smokiness from the charcoal fire pairs beautifully with the richness of the marinade, resulting in a creamy, balanced, and tender kebab.
Served with mint chutney, pickled onions, and naan, it’s a comforting indulgence and a consistent crowd favourite at BKC London.
History & Tradition
Malai Tikka traces its roots to the regal kitchens of North India, especially within Mughlai and Awadhi culinary traditions. “Malai” means cream, and this dish was crafted to offer a delicate, refined alternative to the spicier kebabs of the region. The Mughals introduced the concept of tenderizing meat with dairy—using cream, yoghurt, and ghee—which became a hallmark of royal cuisine.
Over time, this preparation was adapted across Northern India, particularly in Punjab and Lucknow, where tandoor cooking further elevated the dish. The creamy marinade not only preserved the tenderness of the meat but also acted as a flavorful medium for the aromatic spices. Today, Malai Tikka continues to symbolize elegance and subtlety, offering a gentle yet satisfying flavour experience.
What Makes it Special
What sets Malai Tikka apart is its emphasis on texture, subtlety, and richness. Unlike heavily spiced kebabs, this one relies on the lushness of cream, yoghurt, and cheese to bring out the chicken’s natural juiciness. White pepper and cardamom add gentle warmth without overwhelming heat. The tandoori preparation seals in the moisture while creating a slightly crisp, charred coating that complements the velvety interior.
The contrast of smoky edges and soft, creamy core makes each bite feel indulgent. Malai Tikka dish doesn’t need bold heat to achieve bold flavour—just balance, care, and tradition.
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Aarav Joshi
The Malai Tikka at BKC London is simply amazing. The chicken was unbelievably tender and had a creamy flavour that melted in my mouth. The balance of spices was just right—subtle but satisfying. Paired with the mint chutney and naan, it made for a comforting, flavourful dish that reminded me of home-cooked Awadhi food.
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Lucy Graham
This was hands down the softest chicken tikka I have ever had. The creamy marinade made each bite rich and smooth, with just a hint of spice. It was beautifully grilled and had that perfect bit of smokiness. It felt indulgent without being heavy, and the chutney on the side really tied it all together.
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Oliver Reeves
I was blown away by how tender and flavourful the Malai Tikka was. You could tell it had been marinated with care—the creaminess came through in every bite. It had a lovely char without losing moisture. As someone who usually prefers spicier dishes, this subtle and rich version was a pleasant surprise. Highly recommended.
FAQs
A: Not at all. It’s very mildly spiced, focusing on creamy, aromatic flavours rather than heat.
A: The chicken is marinated in a mix of cream, yoghurt, cheese, and spices, then grilled in a tandoor to achieve a smoky, golden exterior.
A: The combination of dairy ingredients like cream and cheese acts as a natural tenderizer, making the chicken exceptionally soft and juicy.
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The Great British Curry Up – A Wednesday Feast at BKC Soho!
Britain’s obsession with curry deserves more than a takeaway. That’s why we’re turning up the heat every Wednesday with The Great British Curry Up — a fiery new weekly tradition, served in partnership with Kingfisher Beer. Expect bold flavours, deep gravies, and cold pints to match!
We kick off with Mutton Rogan Josh — a Kashmiri classic where lamb is slow-cooked in yogurt and onions, infused with fennel and warming spices until it falls apart at the touch. Served with steamed rice and a chilled Kingfisher, it’s a dish that delivers depth, heat, and heritage in every bite!
📍 Every Wednesday from 6PM
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
In proud partnership with Kingfisher Beer
#bkcflavors #londoneats #eeeeeats #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #lucknow #viral #indianfoodie #indianrecipes #awadhicuisine #londonfoodguide #londonfoodscene #curry #currynight #roganjosh #currylover
Inside the Handi: The Story of Thalassery Biryani!
What makes Thalassery Biryani unforgettable? It’s not just the tender lamb or coastal warmth — it’s Kerala’s soul in every grain. Made with kaima rice, a short-grain variety that clings to spice like memory, it’s layered with golden onions, green chillies, and just a touch of ghee.
At BKC, we honour the traditional method — slow-cooked so that every layer sings in quiet harmony. No saffron. No colour. Just pure Malabar flavour, sealed in a pot and served with love.
📍Available Friday to Sunday – Biryani Bharat Yatra | July Edition
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #desikhana #eeeeeats #vegetarian #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #instafood #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #biryanilovers #keralagram #biryanilovers #dumbiryani #keralagram #malayali #keralafood #viral #viralfood
Whispered, Not Grilled – The Story of Galouti!
Born in the royal kitchens of Lucknow for a toothless nawab, the Galouti Kebab was never meant to shout. It was made to melt. A symphony of finely minced lamb, hand-pounded spices, and BKC’s signature Potli Masala — grilled with finesse until it collapses at first touch.
This World Kebab Day, we honour the kebab that defined Awadhi culinary elegance — a legacy now part of India’s bid for UNESCO Gastronomy status. From the gullies of Aminabad to the heart of London, BKC serves the most authentic taste of Lucknow — no shortcuts, no frills, just royal memory on a plate.
Only at:
• BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
• BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
Celebrate World Kebab Day with a bite of heritage!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #eeeeeats #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #lucknow #viral #viralreels #recipereel #indianfoodie #indianrecipes #awadhicuisine #londonfoodguide #londonfoodscene
Monsoon. Maach. Madness. – The Feast That Divides a State, But Unites the Soul!
When the skies burst open, Bengal doesn’t hide — it cooks. It fries, it simmers, it debates. From the crunch of Kolkata Fish Fry to the fiery depth of Tel Jhal, from the mustard-laced Sorshe Ilish to the silken seduction of Chingri Malai Curry — this is nostalgia plated hot. Every bite takes you back — to muddy school shoes, boat races, Ma shouting aar ekta bhaat dao, and the smoky kitchen where stories were stirred into every dish!
This 27th July, BKC Soho becomes your monsoon adda — with hands in rice, fish on fingers, and hearts full of memories. And yes — the poll that defines all Bengali pride will be live: Illish vs Chingri — which one are you?
📍 BKC Soho | 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
One-day-only feast | 27th July, 1PM onwards
Tables filling fast. Book now on OpenTable. Come hungry — come home!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofinstagram🍴 #tastemade #love #bengali #bengalifood #bengaliculture #bangla #viral #ᴠɪʀᴀʟᴘᴏsᴛ #bangla #bangladesh #westbengal #fish #london #londonfood #londonfoodie #fishinglife
Secrets from the Masala Box – The Kebabs London Loves!
Yes, London’s fallen in love with our kebabs — but what makes them truly unforgettable? It’s the spice science passed down from the kitchens of Lucknow. Our masala box holds centuries of craft — from stone-ground garam masalas to the iconic Potli Masala, a delicate bouquet of rose petals, vetiver, cubeb pepper, stone flower, and mace, used in Awadhi cooking to layer depth without overpowering.
At BKC, every marinade tells a story. Our Burrah Lamb Chops are soaked in yoghurt and Kashmiri chilli overnight. Our Seekh Kebabs carry smoky heat and soft succulence. And the Dahi ke Kebabs — gentle, creamy, with a whisper of clove and cumin — are an ode to restraint. No bottled shortcuts. Just spice, memory, and mastery.
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
#bkcflavors #biryani #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #eatdelicious #foodies #tastemade #yummy #love #weekendindulgence #flavoursofindia #heritage #tribute #reverence #viral #viralreels #viralvideos #halalfood #halal #kebab #masala
Lucknow in a Handi – Celebrating World Biryani Day!
In Awadh, biryani wasn’t just cooked — it was composed. Each grain of rice perfumed with saffron, each strand of meat marinated, slow-cooked, and folded in with care. Born in royal kitchens and perfected by rakabdars, Lucknowi Biryani is a quiet, fragrant art — not fiery, but deeply flavourful.
At BKC, we stay true to the dum-pukht tradition — sealing our handi with dough, letting time and steam weave magic. It’s not just a dish. It’s a story of patience, balance, and legacy — the kind that deserves to be celebrated every single day.
Only at BKC Soho - 8 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
& BKC Marble Arch - 7 Edgware Road, London W2 2ER
On World Biryani Day and beyond – experience biryani the Awadhi way!
#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #food #foodie #foodiegram #foodiesofinstagram #biryanilovers #foodstagramming #foodiesofindia #instafood #foodlovers #biryanilove #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #tastemade #biryanilovers #lucknowibiryani #dumbiryani #viralreel #viralpost #halal #lucknow #unesco #viralfood
Introducing: Thalassery Biryani – Kerala’s Coastal Classic!
From the spice-laden shores of Malabar comes a biryani unlike any other. The Thalassery Biryani is Kerala’s fragrant ode to trade, travel, and tradition — made with small-grain kaima rice, whole spices, and slow-cooked lamb that melts like memory. It’s the kind of dish that carries the scent of monsoons, coconut groves, and Sunday lunches at home.
At BKC, we honour that legacy with care — layering kaima rice with tender lamb, golden onions, and coastal warmth. No colour. No shortcuts. Just pure flavour, sealed and served in true dum style.
Available Friday to Sunday – Biryani Bharat Yatra | July Edition
BKC Soho – 8 Moor Street, W1D 5ND
BKC Marble Arch – 7 Edgware Road, W2 2ER
#bkcflavors #londoneats #biryani #desikhana #eeeeeats #vegetarian #yummy #halal #bkcflavors #food #foodstagram #foodstagramming #instafood #foodloversindia #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofindia #tastemade #yummy #love #halalfood #biryanilovers #keralagram #biryanilovers #dumbiryani #keralagram #malayali #keralafood #viral #viralfood
Monsoon, Maach and More – A Feast of Memories!
When it rained, school shut down and joy poured in. We’d fold paper boats, chase them through puddles, and return home to the smell of begun bhaja and aloo chop crackling in mustard oil. Monsoon meant Ma in the kitchen, the comfort of fried snacks, and the promise of something warm on the plate. Come Rath Yatra, the streets turned into a carnival — with mochar chop, pakoras, and laughter shared under umbrellas!
And then came the fish — silver-flecked hilsa, golden prawns, whole river pabda — caught fresh and cooked slow. That mustardy whiff in the air? Pure nostalgia. On 27th July at BKC Soho, relive it all with a soulful feast: from Kolkata Fish Fry and Mochar Chop to Sorshe Ilish, Chingri Malai Curry, Murgir Jhol, and oven-warmed Baked Rasgulla with its molten sweetness. It’s not just a meal — it’s your childhood plated with love!
📍 BKC Soho – 8 & 9 Moor Street, London W1D 5ND
Only On – 27th July | Book now on OpenTable
#bkcflavors #londoneats #food #foodie #indianfood #foodstagramming #ınstafood #foodlovers #yummy #foodgasm #eatdelicious #foodies #foodiesofinstagram🍴 #tastemade #love #bengali #bengalifood #bengaliculture #bangla #viral #ᴠɪʀᴀʟᴘᴏsᴛ #bangla #bangladesh #westbengal #fish #london #londonfood