Must-Try 10 Local Food in Lucknow

Spread on the bank of the Gomti river, Lucknow shines like a rare jewel, evoking the grand history of the city. Also known as the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow offers a fine blend of all the amenities that one may need in modern life alongside its century old heritage that is reflected in the many architectural wonders that abound the city.

The rich legacy of Lucknow is also very beautifully reflected in its thriving culture and delectable cuisine that has absorbed the best of the Nawabi style. Indeed, there is hardly any other place that could compete Lucknow Street food both in terms of taste and variety.

But with so many choices in every nook, one may wonder where to start and which are the best. Worry not! Here we are to your rescue with a curated list of must-try local delicacies in Lucknow. So without further ado, let’s dive in:

Biryani:

You may have tasted biryani all across the world, but the taste and rich flavours of the Lucknowi biryani makes it amust-try. This Awadhi cuisine speciality is slow cooked in such a way that it simply melts in your mouth with every bite.  While the Lucknowi biryani is easily available at pocket friendly prices almost all across the city, there are few places that have earned a special place with their own unique touch and quality. Idrees Biryani and the Wahid Biryani joints are counted among them. Remember to keep the glass of water ready if you are sensitive to spices!

Tunday Kebab:

Another among the Awadhi cuisine highlights that Lucknow is famous for are its kebabs. Boti kebab, Shammi kebab or galawti kebab are among the best kebabs in Lucknow. But the one name that tops this chart is Tunday Kebab. You may be amused by this trivia that the place that serves the best kebabs of this kind also goes by the name Tunday Kababi Lucknow. You may have to queue up to grab your plate but the wait is worth it!

Nihari & Kulcha:

If you are a fan of non-vegetarian food another great option that you just cannot miss out on is nihari and kulcha. The Nihari is a Mughlai specialty that is prepared with small chunks of mutton cooked in a range of herbs and spices. This rich flavourful stew is served along with fluffy kulchas that balance the flavours of the nihari. The addition of fried onions and lemon wedges add a tangy touch to it. One of the best places to try it is Raheem’s Kulcha-Nihari.

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Chole Bhature:

You may think that chole bhature is a only a Punjabi speciality. But you may be surprised to know that Lucknow has not just adopted it but also perfected it in their own way. The chole, which is a slightly spicier version of what you find in other places, is served with a topping of chopped onions and pickled chillis. Dip the freshly fried bhature into it and lose your self in the burst of flavours. You can easily find several shops that serve delectable chole bhature at the Chowk food market Lucknow.

Basket Chaat:

Counted among the top iconic dishes of Lucknow, the basket chaat gets its name from the way this dish looks. A selection of items is filled in the crispy edible basket and topped with dahi, pomegranate seeds and sev. Locally, the dish also goes by the name of tokri chaat. The Royal Café and Shukla Chaat House is among the top places to try out this chaat speciality.

Khasta Kachori:

Popular both as a breakfast option and evening snacks, khasta kachori is among the most integral part of the Lucknow food culture. Served fresh in its many street-side stalls, the combination of pooris with potato sabzi is both filling and tasty. Some people also like end this meal with a few jalebis to please their sweet tooth. The Bajpayee Kachori Bhandar in Hazratganj has made a special place for itself by serving this speciality.

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Malai Makkhan:

Counted among the best sweets in Lucknow, Malai Makkhan also goes by the name of Nimish. You can easily spot these special sweet- carts wither their big hordes of sweet, fluffy creamy offerings. The dish is prepared by blending freshly churned unsweetened butter with sugar and khoya. The dish is topped with regal garnishing such as chopped nuts and kesar. The dish is however usually available during the winter months. So, if you are there in the right season, don’t miss it at any cost.

Kulfi Faluda:

If you are in Lucknow during the summer,you have no reasonto be disappointed though. An equally delightful sweet treat that Lucknow serves during the summer months is the Kulfi Faluda. From the traditional flavours like kesar, butterscotch and mixed fruits to the more daring ones like paan and strawberry, every choice is a sweet surprise on your tongue. The food stalls in  Aminabad are among the best places to try them.

Shawarma:

A wrap of soft pita bread, filled with slow cooked spicy chicken along with a choice of sauce and salad. That is the Lucknow version of the shawarma for you. You may have tasted chicken shawarma in a lot of places, but Lucknowi version stands out with the city’s own style. If you are someone who loves non-veg food, this is something you must absolutely add to your Lucknow food tour.

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Shahi Tukda:

Another sweet dish without which the authentic Awadhi dining is incomplete is the Shahi tukda. In fact, the name Shahi tukda reportedly comes from the stories that back in the days it was a favourite among the royals. The dish is a fine combination of fried bread with a dressing of condensed milk and pistachios.

Now that you have this go-to list of famous food in Lucknow, are you ready to try them? If you have tried any of the dishes, let us know your favourite in the comments. Happy binge!