Holi is just around the corner, bringing a burst of colours, joy, and festive cheer to Lucknow! As the city’s markets come alive with vibrant hues and excitement, the irresistible aroma of seasonal sweets and festive delicacies fills the air. So, if you’re celebrating Holi in Lucknow, here’s a list of exclusive treats that you simply can’t miss!
Thandai (with & without bhaang)
Amidst all the Holi fun, it’s the shops selling exclusive Thandai that truly steal the show! Indulge in a variety of flavour-rich, dry fruit Thandais that are sure to leave you yearning for more. While the regular, aromatic Thandai is a popular choice, you can also opt for the Bhang-infused variant, although we don’t actively promote its consumption; it’s a tradition enjoyed by many during Holi.
And after sipping on a glass of Thandai, head to any of the numerous paan shops dotted around the Gole Darwaza circle and grab one, for a complete experience.
Gujiya
Holi is never complete without the sweetness of gujiyas! From the gift boxes received along with bonuses to sharing them with friends and family or serving them at Holi gatherings, gujiya is the undisputed showstopper of the festival. If they’re already being prepared in your home this season, that’s great! But if not, you can explore a delightful variety at these top shops:
-
Wafer Crust Gujiya – Danbro by Mr. Brown (Outlets across the city or order online via website)
-
Mewa American Gujiya – Radhey Lal Premium Sweets, Chowk
-
Kesariya Gujiya (Ghee) – Manoranjan Sweet House, Charbagh
-
Baked Gujiya – Danbro, The Hazelnut Factory
-
Dry Khoya Gujiya – Aamrapali Sweets, Block C, Rajajipuram
-
Khoyaless Chocolate Gujiya – JJ Bakers
-
Baby Gujiya – Mahalaxmi Sweets, Purania Rd, Sector H, Aliganj
Karela Chat
You may or may not have heard of Karela Chaat, an underrated yet popular Holi-season snack! While it’s well-known among some locals in Old Lucknow, you can also spot it on thelas during this time. This chaat has nothing to do with karela (bitter gourd), its just shaped like it and is prepared using maida.
Served with tangy tamarind chutney, sweet curd, a mix of spices, and crunchy bhujiya it’s an absolute treat. If you want to try Karela Chaat, keep an eye out for hawkers selling it in the old city neighbourhoods. Or, better yet, make it at home! Here’s a YouTube recipe to get you started.
Kanji Vada
This year, the sour, refreshing and gut-friendly Kanji has been making waves on foodstagram! A beloved traditional drink across India, it truly rules the season. In central states, a twist is added with urad dal vadas, transforming it into Kaanji Vada.
While this probiotic-rich drink is commonly found in Delhi and Punjab, spotting Kanji or Kanji Vada in Lucknow is quite rare. However, you can still enjoy it by ordering from restaurants like Royal Cafe and Chaat King.
Or better yet, make it at home with simple ingredients and sip your way to festive joy this Holi!
Sindhi Special: Ghewar and Meethe Samose
The royal Rajasthani malai ghewar is a traditional delicacy like no other. However, since it’s a monsoon specialty, you’ll have to wait for the season to indulge in it. But if you love imarti and jalebi, there’s a Holi-exclusive Sindhi sweet you shouldn’t miss—Sindhi Ghewar. Similar to imarti but with a slight sour kick, this rare treat is a must-try during the festival.
Another Sindhi Holi special is the Sindhi Samosa—featuring a Sohaal like texture and stuffed with rich Karachi halwa, making it an absolute delight for those with a sweet tooth. Find both these unique sweets at one of the shops in Lucknow, listed below:
-
Dolly Sindh Restaurant, Aminabad, Right next to Tunday Kababi
-
Moti Mahal, Hazratganj
-
Kanchan Sweets, Neelgiri Chauraha, A Block, Indira Nagar
-
Rashmi Sweets, Munshi Puliya, Indira Nagar
Aaloo chips, Papad, Kachri
It goes without saying that the Holi season is the perfect time to prepare homemade aloo chips and masaledar papads! With the season bringing the best potatoes, many households make and store chips and papads to last the entire year.
But don’t worry if you can’t make them at home—you can still stock up! The city’s markets are brimming with a wide variety of chips, papads, sabudana crisps, kachris, and colourful finger chips. Just buy them, fry them and enjoy them all year long! Check out the below-listed areas, to stock up on papads, chips and more:
-
Bhoothnath
-
Mahanagar
-
Aminabad
-
Chowk
Knock Knock
With Holi coming up soon, the city’s markets are buzzing with life. From large-scale shops to small roadside stalls, there’s an abundance of festive and seasonal treats, decor, and more. So while you’re out shopping, consider going local!
Supporting small vendors not only helps them earn a livelihood during this busy season but also ensures they get to celebrate the festivities with their families too. Happy Holi!
