Aminia

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Aminia
Aminia-restaurant-logo.png
Aminia
Restaurant information
Established1929
Food type Mughlai cuisine
Dress codecasual
Location6A, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700087, India
Coordinates 22°33′45″N88°21′09″E / 22.5624585°N 88.3526148°E / 22.5624585; 88.3526148
Other locations
Website aminia.co.in

Aminia is a historic chain of restaurants specialising in traditional Mughlai and Awadhi cuisine, headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Established in 1929, Aminia has grown from a single outlet on Zakaria Street to become one of Eastern India's most renowned restaurant chains, with outlets across West Bengal and internationally in Dubai. [1]

Contents

Cuisine and Specialities

Signature Dishes

Other Notable Dishes

History

Early Beginnings (1929-1947)

Aminia's journey began in 1929 when Abdul Rahim opened the first outlet on Zakaria Street in Kolkata, directly opposite the historic Nakhoda Masjid. The restaurant was established with the vision of bringing authentic Lucknowi Awadhi cuisine to Kolkata. The timing was significant, as it coincided with the broader culinary transformation of Kolkata following Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's exile from Lucknow to the city, which had introduced Awadhi cuisine and the unique Kolkata biryani with potatoes. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Expansion and the New Market Legacy (1947-1970s)

A pivotal moment in Aminia's history came on August 15, 1947 - coinciding with India's Independence Day - when Abdul Rahim's sons, Abdul Qayum and Mohammed Amin, opened what would become the chain's most iconic outlet in New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market) at Futnani Chamber near the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. This New Market branch became the largest and most well-known Aminia outlet. [2] The brothers adapted their menu to suit the Bengali palate, reducing spiciness and oiliness while incorporating sweeter elements through increased use of onions in dishes like mutton rezala and chicken chaap. They also modified gravy consistency to create lighter 'jhol'-style preparations, exemplified by their famous "Aminia Special Curry". [1]

Modern Era and Expansion (2012-Present)

The restaurant chain is currently operated by the third and fourth generations of the founding family. Key figures in the current leadership include Asher Ather and Kabir Azhar, representing the fourth generation, along with Azra Asher Ather (sales director) and Mohammed Azhar (Chairman & Director). [2] The modern expansion phase began earnestly in 2012, growing from the original outlets to 11 locations by 2023. Under the new leadership, Aminia has embraced both traditional values and contemporary business practices, including digital transformation and strategic expansion beyond Kolkata and West Bengal. [5] In 2025, Aminia also opened its first international outlet in Al Karama, Dubai. [6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Bhattacharya, Rajan (17 September 2024). "Aminia, Kolkata: History And What To Eat At This Iconic Restaurant". Slurrp. Kolkata. Archived from the original on 14 July 2025. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Aminia's Remarkable Journey: '95 Not Out' in the Culinary League, Fueled by Family-Led Tradition". Asian News International . 7 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 October 2025. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  3. ↑ Sajeda Momin (2001). The Statesman Good Food Guide to Kolkata. Nachiketa Publication.
  4. ↑ Sudeshna Sen (2008). Inside Kolkata: an insider's look at the best of Kolkata. Rupa & Co. in association with IL&FS Education & Technology Services, Mumbai. ISBN   978-81-291-1342-9.
  5. ↑ "Legacy restaurant chain Aminia enters Siliguri; to add 12 outlets by 2024 end". Restaurant India. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 12 October 2025. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  6. ↑ "From Kolkata to Dubai: New Market Aminia's Culinary Legacy Finds International Footprint". Go Dubai. 21 January 2025. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 12 October 2025.

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