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Paneer Lababdar (V)
About This Dish
Paneer Lababdar is a rich and indulgent North Indian curry made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a velvety, tomato-based gravy. The name ‘Lababdar’ itself hints at decadence—it’s all about indulgence in this delicious flavour and texture. This dish is a luxurious take on paneer, combining slow-cooked tomatoes, onions, cream, butter, and a signature blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
What sets it apart is the addition of grated paneer into the sauce itself, which makes the gravy thicker, creamier, and packed with depth. It’s comfort food that still feels special—perfect for vegetarians looking for something hearty, warming, and flavour-packed.
History & Tradition
Paneer Lababdar traces its roots to the royal kitchens of North India, particularly in Punjabi cuisine, where rich, creamy gravies have always held a place of pride. Inspired by Mughlai-style cooking, this dish was crafted to showcase paneer in all its glory—without the need for meat.
Unlike Paneer Butter Masala or Shahi Paneer, Paneer Lababdar has a more robust, slightly tangy profile, often enriched with kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and finished with cream. It became popular as a vegetarian alternative that still offered the grandeur of royal fare. Today, it’s a staple in Indian restaurant menus, both in India and abroad, often enjoyed during celebrations or as part of a luxurious vegetarian spread.
What Makes it Special
What makes Paneer Lababdar truly stand out is its indulgent texture and beautifully layered spice profile. The use of both paneer cubes and grated paneer makes the gravy thick, almost melt-in-your-mouth, while the balance of sweet tomatoes, aromatic spices, and warming fenugreek creates a well-rounded flavour experience. The addition of cream and butter gives it a luscious, rich finish, yet it avoids being overly heavy or greasy.
It’s a dish that feels both homely and festive—ideal for a weekend indulgence, a special dinner, or simply when you’re craving something soul-satisfying. Whether paired with naan, roti, or fragrant basmati rice, every bite delivers warmth, richness, and comfort.
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Meera Kapoor
Paneer Lababdar was rich, creamy, and full of flavour. The gravy had that perfect mix of tanginess and spice, and the grated paneer made it feel extra indulgent. It reminded me of something my mum would make on special occasions. I paired it with garlic naan and could not stop eating. Absolute comfort food, done right.
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Rachel Evans
This was hands down the best paneer dish I have had in London. The sauce was creamy without being too heavy, and the spices were warm and aromatic. I loved the little bits of grated paneer in the gravy—it gave it such great texture. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a satisfying veggie option.
OpenTable
James Whitmore
I was amazed at how flavourful and luxurious this dish felt. It had just the right amount of spice, a beautiful creamy texture, and really generous chunks of paneer. It was proper restaurant comfort food. I had it with rice, but I think it would be even better with some fluffy naan. I will definitely be back for this.
FAQs
A: It’s mildly spiced—flavourful with a gentle warmth, but not hot. Perfect for those who prefer medium spice levels.
A: Paneer Lababdar has a more textured, slightly tangy gravy with grated paneer mixed in, while Paneer Butter Masala is smoother and slightly sweeter.
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, though always check for cross-contamination if you have severe gluten allergies.
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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