All of us have our own go-to spots in every city we visit and so do our much-loved celebrities. When in Lucknow, there are certain iconic places that our B-town bigwigs or cricketing champs don’t forget to visit and revisit.
Some of these places have hosted a wide range of celebs while others are a pit-stop for some actors, who can’t resist a visit whenever they’re in town! So, let’s explore our celeb-approved list of eateries in Lucknow.
Tunday Kababi
For non-residents, Tunday Kababi has almost become synonymous with Lucknow. Naturally, they don’t miss out on paying this iconic eatery a visit on their trips to the city. As for celebrities, Tunday Kababi boasts a list of five-star patrons like no other place in Lucknow.
Some of these include Amitabh Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, Katrina Kaif, Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Madhavan, and more! Trust us, the list of us celebs that have visited Tunday is such that we can do an article on that alone!
Idrees Biryani
Another iconic eatery that competes for being the best Biryani place in Lucknow, Idrees Biryani was established in 1968. To this day, you’ll find large queues of people outside the place, waiting for their share of the scrumptious Biryani!
Padma Shri awardee and celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor tasted this must-try delicacy in Lucknow and said that “it is high time that Lucknow shared its unique Biryani recipe with the world”.
Royal Cafe
A favourite of the foreigners who visit Lucknow, Royal Cafe is another name that needs no introduction. Opening way back in 1991, this popular eatery in Lucknow is primarily known for its Basket Chaat. When on a promotional tour or a casual visit, celebs don’t miss out on feasting at this place.
Some of the celebs that have fallen in love with their Chaat include TV actor Vivian D’Sena, Deepika Padukone, Ahaana Kumra, and Telugu Star Nani.
Raja Thandai
This one is a must-visit Holi spot in Lucknow, frequented during the season by folks of all ages and walks of life. But that doesn’t mean that this iconic spot in Chowk isn’t flocked by people throughout the year. Established in 1936, Raja Thandai has won over the hearts of Lucknowites and non-residents, alike.
Lyricist Javed Akhtar, Imtiaz Ali, Muzzafar Ali, and Celebrity Chef Saransh Goila have all visited Raja Thandai!
Ram Aasrey Sweet Shop
One of the oldest shops in Lucknow that is still operational, Ram Aasrey Sweet Shop was established in 1805. This legendary shop has seen Lucknow transform for over three centuries and is famous for its signature Malai Paan.
The dishes served by Ram Aasrey have been tried, tested, and praised by the likes of Amitabh Bachchan, Bill Clinton, Indira Gandhi, and APJ Abdul Kalam, Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, and Legendary Director Shyam Benegal. Quite the list, isn’t it?
Chowk’s ‘Makkhan Malai’
Not an eatery as such but a renowned winter delicacy from Lucknow, you try the city’s Makkhan Malai once and you’ll keep coming back for more. Tourists and visitors who have tasted it have been charmed by this sweet treat as much as the locals.
The same goes for our B-town celebs, too. In fact, the much-loved actor-director duo of Manoj Bajpayee and Anurag Kashyap swear by this sweet and creamy delight from Lucknow. Actress Shilpa Shetty also relished Makkhan Malai while shooting in the city.
Hotel Charminar
Established in 1965, Hotel Charminar is another go-to spot for those who want to relish the signature Mughlai cuisine in Lucknow. The place is famous for its Mutton Stew among a range of other delicacies that have the patrons licking their fingers.
Lucky Ali, one of India’s most-loved singers, loves this place so much that he never fails to feast here on his visits to the City of Nawabs.
Moti Mahal
Located at the heart of Lucknow, Moti Mahal is a household name among the city folks for its sweets and snacks. Be it through their Samosa and Kachori or their Raj Bhog, Rabri, and Kulfi, the place has won over the hearts of its patrons, ever since it opened in 1947.
Speaking of Moti Mahal’s Kulfi, Indian cricket star and World Cup winner Suresh Raina never fails to relish the sweet delicacy, whenever he’s in Lucknow.
But what would these iconic spots be without the love of Lucknowites? It’s your passion and loyalty that make these places truly special. So, why not keep the tradition alive? Go ahead, visit your favourite haunts once more—after all, you can never get enough of the flavours that make Lucknow’s food scene legendary, can you?!
