Lucknow is a city known for its rich history, culture and, most importantly, its food. The city has a rich culinary heritage, with dishes that have been passed down for generations. From street food Lucknow to fine dining, this place has a lot to offer to foodies. In this blog, we will take a look at 12 famous foods of Lucknow that you must try.
1) Tunday Kebab
This famous Lucknow delicacy has been around for over 100 years. Made with minced meat, Tunday Kebab is juicy, succulent and bursting with flavour. The story behind their name is that a chef named Haji Murad Ali created the dish for a toothless customer, who was called Tunday. Tunday Kababs has become synonymous with Lucknow’s Awadhi cuisine and is famous for their juicy, succulent and melt-in-your-mouth texture. People from all over India visit Lucknow just to taste these kababs, making them an integral part of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
2) Basket Chaat
A popular street food, Basket Chaat is a delicacy that can be found in every corner of Lucknow. It consists of a crispy fried basket filled with boiled potatoes, chana dal, yoghurt, and a variety of tangy and sweet chutneys. The chaat is then garnished with spices, herbs, and sev. The basket chaat Lucknow adds a crispy texture to the chaat, making it a perfect snack to enjoy on the go. Additionally, blending sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours have made it a popular food among locals and tourists. Basket chaat is available at street stalls and local food joints in Lucknow and is essential to the city’s culinary culture.
3) Kulfi Faluda
This is a refreshing dessert that is perfect for those hot summer days. It consists of flavoured ice cream, vermicelli, and a variety of dry fruits and syrups. However, if you wish to satiate your sweet cravings, you can also try freshly baked cakes. Try cakes in Lucknow, the next time you pay a visit there. You will surely feel on cloud nine.
4) Kakori Kebab
Another famous kebab from Lucknow, Kakori Kebab, is made with minced meat and a variety of spices. It is known for its soft texture and rich flavour.
5) Roomali Roti
This is a thin and soft bread that is popular in Lucknow. It is made with a mixture of flour and water and is often served with kebabs and curries. Roomali roti is famous in Lucknow due to its unique texture and preparation method. The roti is thin and soft, made by tossing it in the air to achieve a delicate and feathery texture. It is typically served with rich and flavorful dishes like kebabs, curries and stews, making it a staple food in Lucknow’s cuisine.
6) Shami Kebab
Shami Kebab is a popular dish in Lucknow that is made with minced meat, lentils, and a variety of spices. It is a popular snack and is often served with chutney or mint sauce. You can easily find Shami Kebabs in street food Lucknow and have a toothsome escape.
7) Galawati Kebab
This is a famous Lucknow delicacy that is known for its soft texture and rich flavour. It is made with minced meat and a variety of spices and is often served with Roomali Roti. The secret to its unique flavour is the use of special spices blended with the meat, including cardamom and clove. The kebabs are then cooked over a charcoal fire, giving them a smoky taste. Galawati Kebab is typically served with a side of chutney, onion, and bread. Its popularity has spread throughout India and is now widely available in many restaurants and street-side food stalls. The dish is considered a delicacy and is often served on special occasions and celebrations.
8) Lucknowi Paan
This is a famous street food in Lucknow that is made with betel leaves, coconut, and a variety of spices. It is a popular after-dinner treat and is known for its refreshing taste. If you visit Lucknow next time, do not forget to enjoy this amazing item to soothe your taste buds.
9) Awadhi Biryani
This is a famous dish that originated in Lucknow. It is made with Basmati rice, marinated meat, and a variety of spices. It is a must-try for all biryani lovers. Awadhi Biryani is famous in Lucknow due to the city’s rich culinary history and its association with the royal kitchens of the Nawabs of Awadh. The biryani features long-grain Basmati rice cooked with spices, meat, and saffron, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish. It has become a staple in Lucknow and is widely recognised as a speciality of the region.
10) Lucknowi Biryani
This is a famous dish that originated in Lucknow. It is made with Basmati rice, marinated meat and a variety of spices. It is a must-try for all rice lovers. The list of Lucknow famous food is incomplete without lip-smacking biryanis.
11) Sheer Korma
This is a sweet and creamy dessert that is popular in Lucknow.
Made from vermicelli, milk, sugar and dry fruits, it is traditionally served during celebrations and festivals. The dish originated in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire and has since become a staple of Lucknow’s culinary culture. It is known for its delicate taste and luxurious texture, which is achieved by slow-cooking the ingredients over low heat. The use of saffron and cardamom gives the dessert its distinctive flavour. Sheer Korma is often served in earthenware dishes, adding to its authenticity and traditional appeal.
12) Namak Pare
This is a popular snack that is often served with tea or coffee. They are made with flour, oil, and spices, which make them an excellent option for satisfying hunger cravings. They are also affordable and convenient snacks that can be found in many stores and street vendors. Namak Pare are versatile and can be eaten as a snack on their own or served with tea, chutney, or any other dip of your choice. Try this salty and crunchy Lucknow food right away.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Lucknow is a food lover’s paradise, and there is something for everyone. Whether you are a street food enthusiast or a fine dining connoisseur, Lucknow has something to offer. So, the next time you are in Lucknow, be sure to try these famous foods, and treat your taste buds to a culinary journey like no other.