From kabobs to desserts, Lucknow caters to every foodie’s wildest imagination. And perhaps the favourite nosh of this nawabon ka shaher is biryani, which is not just one dish, but a combination of rice, tari (special gravy) and raita. The complex layering and texturing of biryani is sure to please gourmets and the gourmands alike.
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 slow flame in desi ghee making mutton pieces juicy and aromatic.
Following 7 places in Lucknow will give you the best experience of Lakhnavi biryani.
Idris ki biryani
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If you’re a die hard Lucknowite, you must have heard about this place. Though it is highly regarded, we at Knocksense feel that mutton pieces in the rice based dish could have been paid some more attention to in terms of cutting and dressing. This does not take away from the fact that the biryani is delectable. Located at Chowk, this place runs out of stock by 7 pm and only serves mutton biryani, giving it the Mughali taste.
Dastarkhwan
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All the foodies out there, if you have missed this place in Lucknow then you are yet to explore this city’s Awadhi cuisine. Enjoy the aromatic mutton handi biryani at Dastarkhwan (opp Islamia College) with raita and tari. To add a Nawabi twist to the dish, the biryani is prepared and served in individual handis,. The dish is cooked on a stove for hours, giving it the authentic taste. In addition to the mutton biryani, chicken biryani is also a must try.
Naushijaan
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Though all the places listed here prepare biryani in the ‘dum pukt’ style, Naushijaan excels at it. Overnight preparation in desi ghee makes for a heavenly feast. The place also has a pleasing decor making it a good option to visit with your family. Though it is a bit on the expensive side, you ought not to miss this one.
Lalla Biryani Corner
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Going through the newly-built heritage centre in Chowk might be troublesome due to narrow roads and lack of space. However, once within the interiors of old Lucknow, this small shop in Chowk will definitely leave you surprised. Here you will get to eat one of the most pure forms of biryani, as rice and mutton pieces here are properly dressed and elaborately prepared. Be sure to visit before 7 P.M as the stock is in high demand by gastronomes around the city.
Wahid Biryani
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Wahid biryani is famous in Lucknow for its chicken variant, as opposed to the common mutton biryani. The place has many other mouth watering savory non vegetarian dishes that you can try along with the biryani. Also, the owners have rented out a lot of franchises in Lucknow, so if you want to get the original taste then visit the Aminabad outlet. The not so exorbitant prices of the outlet make it a go to spot for biryani lovers on a tight budget.
Tunday Kababi
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Though this place is world famous for its mouth-watering galawati kababs, Tunday’s biryani is no less praise worthy. The aroma and distinct flavour of mutton biryani will make you want to come back again and again. Just like the kababs, mutton pieces too are soft and melt in your mouth and rice is rich in spices. A must visit for biryani lovers
Petoo
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Petoo is a Bangalore based food chain that has recently made its way to Lucknow and we couldn’t be more excited. Here, you can enjoy Indian cuisines from all states. The biryani here is both- Hyderabadi style and Lucknowi style. You can have a taste of both here and settle the ‘which biryani is better’ argument once and for all. Both are served in their traditional styles, the Lucknowi one topped with loads if Awadhi styles and the Hyderabadi one, cooked in it’s own unique fashion.
Whether you’re a Lucknavi at heart or a tourist just passing by the place, be sure to check out some of these prime biryani spots in the city. Take in the essence of this Mughal city as you feast on a plate of delectable flavours, wafting aromas and exquisite taste.
Also read: 9 Outstanding Developments in Lucknow which will surely make you proud
