What Food to Eat and Where to Eat It in Lucknow, India?

Are you visiting the city of Lucknow in India and wondering where the best places are to eat and what food to try? Then you’ve come to the right post! Read on for our full guide about the best dishes Lucknow has to offer, and where to find them throughout the city.

Lucknow is known for its cultural diversity, and this is reflected in its cuisine. The city is a delicious blend of sweet and spicy flavors. People visiting Lucknow are often in for a gastronomical treat!

Must-Try Foods in Lucknow:

Lucknow has numerous local dishes that foodies will love trying. Here are some dishes you simply must try:

• Tunday Kabab: Tunday Kabab is a delicacy made with minced goat meat, or keema, blended with various spices. This spicy dish is commonly served with pita bread. It’s typically made by street vendors, but it’s best to eat it at its birthplace, Aminuddin’s Tunday Kababi near Chowk in Lucknow.
• Paya Shorba: A hearty meal of mutton or lamb shank slow cooked with spices, ginger, garlic, and various herbs. This is often served with roti or naan.
• Keema Mattar: This dish of minced goat meat cooked with tomatoes, green peas, and spices is often made in every household in Lucknow. It’s usually eaten with roti.
• Shami Kabab: Shami kababs are made with ground beef blended with vegetables and spices, flattened “patties” and shallow fried until golden brown. They are difficult to make but the hard work is well worth it when these delicious kababs are served.
• Makkhan Malai: For those with a sweet tooth, Makkhan Malai is not to be missed! It’s a soft and creamy treat made with thickened milk that has been boiled, then layered with a syrup made of saffron, sugar and rose water.
• Galauti Kabab: Galauti kabab is a succulent dish of minced goat meat marinated in spices and grilled on a tandoor. It’s creamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor makes it a favorite.

Popular Restaurants in Lucknow

When it comes to restaurants in Lucknow, there is no shortage of options! With its diversity of cultures, it’s no surprise that the city has some of the best spots for eating out . Here are a few of the most popular and highly recommended places to check out:

• Bawarchi Restaurant, Hazratganj : Serving both North Indian and Chinese cuisine since 1988, this place is an amazing place to come if you want to try some traditional Lucknow food.
• The Greens Restaurant, Gomti Nagar: This upscale restaurant serves a selection of international cuisine with an emphasis on Indian food. The restaurant is also known for its exotic drinks and desserts .
• Opoly Café, Gudumba Shalimar: Known for its unique ambiance and comfortable setting, this popular cafe offers an array of international dishes, including amazing Balti Chicken Kurma.
• Mughal Royal Indian Cuisine, Rahiba Road: A great place for trying classic Mughlai dishes such as their famous Nihari Curry and Gosht Dum Biryani.

Apart from restaurants, there are numerous street food vendors in every nook and corner of the city that offer delicious options such as chaat (snacks), chole bhature (spicy chickpeas served with deep fried bread) and paan (beetle leaves). Street food in Lucknow is known for its authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Many locals swear by these inexpensive meals!

As you can see, there are many flavors to explore in Lucknow! From traditional recipes to innovative interpretations of regional dishes, a visit to this enchanting city can be truly rewarding in terms of culinary delights!

Welcome to Lucknow, India: An Insider’s Guide to the City

Lucknow, the capital city of the Uttar Pradesh state of India offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and culinary delights. It is not only famous for its exquisite cuisine but also has a rich history, magnificent architecture, and bustling bazaars. As an insider, I am excited to share with you some of the hidden gems and fascinating stories that will make your visit to Lucknow an unforgettable experience.

Discover Hidden Gems and Local Attractions

While the heritage sites such as the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara are must-visits, Lucknow has more to offer. Explore the magnificent Rumi Darwaza, which served as the entrance to the Old City. A stroll around the picturesque Husainabad area will lead you to the Husainabad Clock Tower, a magnificent Victorian structure.

For a unique cultural experience, visit the Dilkusha Kothi, a decaying building from colonial times that now offers an insight into the cultural heritage of the city. You can also visit the Chattar Manzil, once the residence of the Nawabs of Awadh, which is now a museum that showcases the royal lifestyle of the Nawabs.

Indulge in Local Cuisine at Iconic Dining Spots

Lucknow is synonymous with its culinary heritage, referred to as Awadhi cuisine. You must try the famous Tunday Kebabs, an aromatic kebab made with 160 spices, at the Tunday Kababi in the old city. Another must-visit place is the century-old Royal Café, where you can savor Lucknow’s famous chaat, melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, and rich biryanis.

For a more authentic experience, try the food at the local eateries in the bylanes of Chowk, Aminabad, and Hazratganj. Don’t forget to end your meal with the rich and creamy shahi tukda and a fragrant cup of Lucknowi chai.

Experience the Cultural Delights of Lucknow

Lucknow is an epitome of the Indian culture, and there are many ways to experience it. Witnessing the festivities of Eid-ul-Fitr, Dussehra, and Diwali is a must-do. One of the unique cultural experiences of Lucknow is the Lucknow Mahotsav, an annual 10-day event in January that offers a glimpse of the city’s art, music, and heritage.

As a lover of poetry, a visit to the tomb of the famous Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib is not to be missed. You can also take a ‘heritage walk’ through the lanes of the old city, and witness the art of chikan embroidery being practiced by skilled artisans.

Immerse Yourself in the Fascinating City History

Lucknow’s history is both dark and fascinating. One of the most intriguing stories is that of the Begum of Awadh, who was exiled to Nepal for opposing the British rule. Visit the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park, which is dedicated to her memory. The British Residency, the site of the 1857 revolt, is an essential landmark that defines the city’s history. The State Museum in the campus offers a glimpse of the city’s history from the Mughal era to the colonial rule.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions for a Unique Experience

For a unique experience, you can plan a day trip to the nearby town of Malihabad, which is famous for its mango orchards and a must-visit for mango lovers. You can also take a boat ride at the ancient pond of the Kukrail Reserve Forest or visit the intricate temple dedicated to the goddess of snakes in Kakori.

Another unusual way to explore the city is by taking a bicycle tour. There are various operators offering cycle tours of the city, taking you through the narrow alleys and hidden bylanes that are not accessible by car.

In Conclusion

Lucknow is a city that will stay in your heart forever. From its culinary delights to its cultural heritage and fascinating history, there is something for everyone. Use this insider’s guide to explore the hidden gems and off-beat experiences that will make your visit to Lucknow unforgettable.