7 Lucknowi Dishes You Must Try At Least Once

Famously known as the land of Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow food is a dream come true for food lovers. Whether you enter a 5-star hotel or a narrow alley in the city, they are guaranteed to serve you lip-smacking food that you will remember for a long time to come. There are many choices and flavours for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians to explore in this land of Nawabs. There are kebabs, biryanis, paans, kulfis, and so much more to try, but here are 7 Lucknow famous dishes that you cannot miss.

Kebabs

The first item on the list of Lucknow special food has to be kebabs. Galauti kebabs are one of the best food in Lucknow. Legend has it that these kebabs were made for a toothless Nawab in Lucknow. Galauti means ‘melt in your mouth’, and it melts as soon as you put it in your mouth. The kebabs are made with minced keema, raw papaya, a mix of Indian spices, and ghee. Tundey kebabs is another Lucknow famous dish you cannot miss. More than 100 spices are used in preparing these delicious kebabs. The kebabs have a rich history too. One of the Awadhi Nawabs held a competition to make the softest kebabs. One of the participants was a tunda, which means one-armed. His kebabs were so delicious that he was declared the winner, and the kebabs were named after him. 

Apart from Tundey Kebabs and Galouti Kebabs, there are dozens of other kebabs that you can try in Lucknow that are delightful!

Lucknowi Birayani

A visit to Lucknow is incomplete without a taste of its famous biryani. Their biryani is special because the rice and meat is cooked separately. They are then added in layers in a pot and slow-cooked. Some chefs also add broth while slow cooking, which seeps into every grain of rice, adding to the rich aroma and deliciousness of the biryani. 

Rogan Josh

You may have tried Rogan Josh in other parts of the country, but there is something special about the Rogan Josh served in Lucknow. It is a spicy meat curry, made with aromatic spices. This delicious curry makes for a perfect meal that will warm you up on the inside and fill your palate with flavours. 

Basket Chaat

If you’re a fan of street food, you will love this Lucknow famous dish. Indians all over the country love chaat, and Basket Chaat is one of the best snacks to have when in Lucknow. Also called Katori Chaat or Tokri Chaat, this dish consists of a crisp fried Katori (bowl) made of flour and filled with potatoes, sprouts, onions, tomatoes, sev, and chutneys. This flavourful dish is a must-have on the streets of Lucknow. 

Chhole Bhature

Chhole Bhature is a country-wide famous dish, but there’s just something special about Lucknow’s . Deep-fried, soft, and delicious bread paired with a spicy chhole with a dash of lemon and chopped onions makes for a perfect meal that will leave you satiated, yet wanting for more. 

Nihari

This Lucknow famous food is a breakfast dish, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. If you like mutton then you’re in for a treat. Nihari is mutton, slow-cooked in a variety of spices to make it soft and flavourful. It is served with Kulcha, which is a flatbread made in tandoor. Your Lucknow trip is incomplete without trying Nihari and Kulcha at least once.

Malai Ki Gilori

No meal is complete without a dessert. Although there are many options to choose from, Malai Ki Gilori is a Lucknow special dish that you must try. Malai ki Gilori is just Malai Paan. It’s sweet and so soft that it will melt in your mouth! The sweet consists of a thin malai which has rose and kewra flavour. The stuffing consists of nuts and mishri. This delicious treat is perfect to end any hearty meal. 

Lucknow food is one of the biggest reasons to visit the city. Plan a trip to the city of Nawabs and explore a range of flavours you didn’t know existed.