From the Kitchen
Talwar-e-Tandoori Murg: The Kebab Served on a Sword
Quick answer
The story of Exotica's showstopper — a whole tandoori chicken brought to the table on a sword — and the other kebabs worth ordering alongside it.
Table of contents (4 sections)
Every restaurant has one dish that turns heads when it leaves the kitchen. At Exotica, it is the Talwar-e-Tandoori Murg — tandoori chicken roasted in the clay oven and carried to your table on a sword. Guests on the rooftop in Yerwada reach for their phones before they reach for their forks.
What is Talwar-e-Tandoori Murg?
Talwar means sword in Hindi and Urdu. The chicken is marinated in spiced hung curd, skewered and cooked in the tandoor until the edges char and the inside stays juicy. It is served whole on the blade — half or full portion — with onions, lemon and mint chutney.
Why the tandoor matters
A tandoor is a clay oven that runs far hotter than a home oven. The intense heat seals the marinade onto the meat, gives kebabs their smoky crust and cooks them in minutes, which keeps them tender. That is why most of our signature dishes, from Murg ke Champ to Raan-e-Zafraan, come from this one oven.
What to order with it
- Murg ke Champ — boneless chicken thighs in a piquant marinade, our house speciality.
- Galouti Kebab — melt-in-the-mouth minced lamb, an Awadhi classic.
- Tandoori Broccoli or Khumb Exotica for vegetarians at the table.
- Dal Zafraan and a basket of garlic naan to finish.
Frequently asked questions
How many people does a full Talwar-e-Tandoori Murg serve?
A full portion comfortably serves three to four people as a starter; a half portion suits two.
Is the sword kebab very spicy?
It is medium-spiced. Let your server know if you would like it milder.
