Lucknow is a dream paradise for food lovers. From mouth-watering kebabs and other non-veg delicacies to lip-smacking street food and delectable sweet dishes, the City of Nawabs sure knows how to serve food royally!
What’s wonderful about Lucknow’s food scene is that you do not need to visit any special place to satisfy your taste buds. Take a walk down any busy road and you will find restaurants and street vendors serving up some great dishes. Having said that, there are certain establishments that have been there for a long time and are known for a certain specific dish.
Let’s take a look at 5 must-try dishes to have in Lucknow.
More than a 100 years old, Tunday Kebabi is the shining jewel of Lucknowi cuisine. Any trip to Lucknow is incomplete without having a plate of Galwati Kebab here. The Chowk outlet serves only beef kebabs, while the Aminabad outlet serves both mutton and beef kebabs.The minced mutton melts in the mouth instantly, and the mix of spices give off a burst of flavours. You can enjoy the Kebab solely, or pair it with a soft and buttery Mughlai Paratha to balance the spiciness of the Kebabs.
Awadh Biryani at Wahid Mia’s Biryani / Mutton Biryani at Idris
We could not pick a favourite between these two. If you’re a biryani lover and connoisseur, you must try the biryani served at both these shops. The former is located in Aminabad, while the latter is in Chowk area.
Lucknow-style Awadhi biryani is more moist, tender and delicately flavoured than other biryanis.The taste and aroma of Wahid Mia’s Biryani is unmatched and irresistible.
Idriski Biryani is an age-old outlet, first started in 1968. The biryani is cooked in a copper utensilover burning coal – the secret for its unique flavour.
Basket Chaat or Tokri Chaat is a specialty of Lucknow that you should not miss. This is one of those famous street foods that you can find in almost every part of the city. The crispy tokri is made by frying grated potatoes in the shape of a basket. It is then loaded with aloo tikki, papdi, chickpeas, sweetened yougurt, verirties of chutneys etc. This is one flavourful basket you must absolutely try.
If you have a sweet tooth, The Hazelnut Factory – THF is a must-try place for you. Indulge yourself in all the sinful delicacies of delightful desserts. It is one of the best bakeries in the city. THF has two outlets in Gomti Nagar and Nirala Nagar respectively. Decorated as a bright and cosy café, the store offers a wide variety of cakes, pastries, brownies and milkshakes, as well as sandwiches, pizza, pasta, burger, and more. Their chocolate brownies are a work of art; so good and fudgy that you cannot have just one piece.
Makkhan Malai
This is a famous sweet dish found in many parts of Uttar Pradesh. Street vendors selling a thick, fluffy whipping cream topped with almonds and pistachios, the MakkhanMalai is one dish you should not miss if you’re visiting Lucknow during the winter months. It is delicious treat for your taste buds, especially for sweet lovers.
