7 Places in Lucknow that'll make you drool with their choicest North Indian delicacies

No matter how many pizza and burger we put into our stomachs, we all know that end the end of the day- daal chawal nahi khaya toh lagega nahi ki kuchh khaya hai. Our larger than life desi personalities need some familiar flavours to satisfy our spoilt tastebuds and nothing can ever stand true to the real flavours of North India.

North Indian food is the ideal comfort food, dipping a soft-warm paratha in a bowl of spicy curry and putting it in our mouth is the closest to getting a food hug you'll ever get. The dals, the curries, the parathas, sabji and non-veg preparations are some of the richest and some of our favourite. Which is why, we have curated a list of our favourite North Indian places that serve the best of dals, curries, breads and more.

*The list has been arranged in no particular order or preference

1. Earthen Oven

Located in the grand ITC's Fortune Park hotel, the Earthen Oven is a restaurant for those who enjoy luxury with a pinch of flavour. With a stunning view of the rooftop pool and a plush furniture, the Earthen Oven is a gem you need to know more about.

This place stands for fine-dining mixed with familiar flavours and aromas and you'll instantly fall in love with the vibe you get here. The food is absolutely finger licking delicious, we're especially smitten by the doodhiya kababs, the roti boti kababs and Awadhi mutton nali korma. The place is perfect for family lunches and celebratory dinners!

Location: Fortune Park BBD, Ranapratap Marg, Hazratganj, Lucknow

2. The Urban Dhaba

Based on the new-age modern dhaba cum cafe concept, The Urban Dhaba is our go-to place when we're looking for something spicy, rich and flavourful. From enormous thalis to delicious Chinese food that will put a smile on your face, the Urban Dhaba serves it all.

We're especially a fan of their Chhole-Kulche, the Highway Thali with its 28 dishes, the smoky murgh malai tikka, dhaba chicken, mutton rogan josh, dal makhani, paneer butter masala and laccha paratha.

Location: 3/187 Vivek Khand, Gomti Nagar Above Spencer's

3. Irani Kafe

Irani Kafe by Vintage Machine is a fairly new addition to the food scene of the city. The place exudes old world charm, eccentric vibes and you can come enjoy this place for the vibes alone. At Irani, you'll find a mix of North Indian, Sindhi and Mughlai food and everything they serve is pretty damn delicious.

We highly recommend trying the tandoori jhinga, paneer tikka, Kashmiri rogan josh, butter chicken, multani kadhai paneer and badami Kashmiri aloo from the menu. The robust spices and the rich curries will have you licking your fingers in no time.

Location: A1/22, Viram Khand, Near Tanishq, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

4. Baati Chokha

Based on the food that is eaten across Western UP, Baati Chokha is ideal for those who like to go the extra mile for everything in life. The village themed restaurant is a breath of fresh air amongst crowds of cafes and posh pubs.

The food served here is refreshing, you get a dose of familiar flavours, reliable dishes and traditional food pairings. Coming to the place and not having a platter of baati chokha would be a sin, do get the dals, the delicious accoutrements and enjoy a delicious feast. Make sure to indulge in a dessert or two and have the meal of a lifetime.

Location: Gomti Nagar-2/5, Vivek Khand, Gomti Nagar| Aliganj- Near Jai Coching Center, Sector J, Aliganj

5. The Kalika Hut

Anyone who lives in the city knows that if you're looking to have a desi non-vegetarian extravaganza, The Kalika Hut is exactly where you need to be. Though not extremely fancy, the place is perfect for a satisfying meal, be it vegetarian or not, and we love everything they serve.

The mutton handi is a speciality here and you will not go wrong with it. We also love the biryani, chicken handi, roasted and Hyderabadi chicken as well as the handi paneer, paneer lababdar and deewani handi.

Location: 1/13 Vijay Khand, Near Over Bridge M.V.V. Motors, Lohia Path Road, Gomti Nagar

6. Jeewan Saathi

Located inside the Mera Mann hotel in Husain Ganj, Jeewan Saathi is an old gem of a place where you will find a quiet ambiance, quick service and good food. The interiors aren't much, but the food does all the talking here, especially if you are a fan of Indian spices and flavours.

You should definitely try the chicken tikka, paneer tikka, veg seekh kebab, chicken malai tikka, butter chicken and paneer butter masala. Stick to the classics and you will not go wrong with anything that you order or try.

Location: 1, Station Road, Hussain Ganj, Lucknow

7. Gyani Ji Ka Dhaba

Located in the extremes of Alambagh Gyani Ji Ka Dhaba or New Gyani Ji Ka Dhaba is among the best North Indian places in the city. Don't let the simple interiors of the humble outlet trick you into thinking that the outlet is just there. They serve some of the most wonderfully prepared vegetarian curries you'll find anywhere.

The dal makhani here is to die for, the simple dhaba chicken will put you in a food coma and the spicy paneer curry or mix sabji will take you on a ride to flavour town. The best part about this outlet is the fact that dining here will cost you half and even less as much as any other "good" place in the city and the food is still top notch!

Location: 122, Hind Nagar Mod, Purani Chungi, Kanpur Road, Alambagh, Lucknow

Knock Knock

With the list of these amazing places, we're sure you'll find exactly what you're looking for. Be it for a lazy afternoon lunch with family or a fun evening hangout with your buds, the list has some of the best North Indian places in Lucknow. So don't eat the bland sandwiches for your next meal, grab a mutton handi, chicken biryani, paneer butter masala, some garlic naan and go to town!