The city of nawabs and tehzeeb, Lucknow, is a paradise for food lovers across the world. Right from kebab to shahi tukda and from biryani to mutton dishes, Awadhi cuisine will definitely give you foodgasms. Almost every other shop here uses its own unique blend of spices which you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.
This city is a gourmand’s dream come true and you should once in your lifetime must visit it to try out these 10 delicacies. We at Knocksense present you a handy list of the best places to eat the following world famous dishes.
1. Galawati Kebab
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Have you ever tasted a kebab that just melts in your mouth? Yes, that’s what Galawati kebab is all about and the world famous Tunday Kebabi is the best place to taste this in Lucknow
2. Biryani
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In Lucknow, it is believed that biryani is not just one dish, but it is a combination of rice, tari (special gravy) and raita. Biryani here does not only have a soothing aroma but is also pleasant on the stomach. The distinct feature of a Lakhnavi biryani is the use of mutton cooked in a dum-pukt style which means that gravy and rice are sealed and cooked over a slow flame in desi ghee, making the mutton pieces juicy and aromatic. Best prepared at Idrees, Dastarkhwan(Islamia outlet) & Naushijaan.
3. Mutton Dishes
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Mutton
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This one is especially for all the chicken lovers out there. You all will definitely forget chicken dishes after tasting Mutton Stew at Charminar, Band Ghosht at Alamgir, Mutton Handi at Kalika and Bhuna Ghosht at Dastarkhwan( opp islamia college) in Lucknow.
4. Kulcha Nihari
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Paya ki Nihari is a mutton dish prepared on low flame for hours. Meat is generally very soft. Garnished with hundreds of spices and cooked overnight, Paya ki Nihari tastes like heaven and it is one dish which you can only get in Old Lucknow especially at Raheem’s and Mubeen’s. It is best enjoyed with Kulche.
5. Butter Chicken
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All the chicken lovers out there, butter chicken in Lucknow is not the boiled chicken mixed with butter and gravy you eat elsewhere. Here, chicken is first prepared on tandoor and then cooked on low flame with gravy. Butter is then added in abundance to give a tantalizing fragrance. This one will definitely make you drool! Try it at Dal me kala and Dastarkhwan tulsi outlet.
6. Sheermal
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There are several types of roti and parathas but none can match the taste of sheermal. This orange-hued tandoori bread holds a special place in Awadhi cuisine and can be best enjoyed with kebab and mutton dishes.
7. Makkhan Malai
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Makkhan Malai is a winter delight. This sweet is made with milk cream. It is available in other Northern Indian cities in winter as well but the authentic taste you get in Lucknow is next to impossible to find in other parts of India.
8. Prakash ki Kulfi
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Come what may, you should try out Prakash Ki Kulfi in Aminabad. It is the same faloode waali kulfi which you can eat in other parts of Lucknow as well but the taste of the pista blended with milk here is distinct and unparalleled.
9. Shahi Tukda
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Nawabs did not eat ras malai or other sweets after their meal. They satisfied their sweet tooth with either paan or Shahi Tukda. Bread mixed with honey and malai are just three things we think when we see a shahi tukda but a lot of efforts goes in preparing this delicacy.
10. Basket Chat
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Lucknow offers a variety of Basket chat. It is crisp, sweet and spicy. Basket Chat at Royal Cafe, Hazratganj is a favorite among the natives.
Lucknow is one such destination, which you will like to visit every now and then. The food, the taste and the culture will stay with you forever. Come once and experience the nawaabiyat and you will want to settle down here.
