15 Delicious Cuisines Of Lucknow You Cannot Miss To Try

Welcome to the gastronomic paradise of Lucknow, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge to create a culinary experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow has earned its reputation as the City of Nawabs, known not only for its grandeur and regal architecture but also for its delectable cuisines. With a rich heritage deeply rooted in Mughal and Awadhi traditions, the city offers an exquisite array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

In this article, we embark on a culinary journey to explore 15 delicious cuisines of Lucknow that are an essential part of the city's cultural fabric. From the iconic Tunday Kebabs to the fragrant Lucknowi Biryani, each dish carries with it a story of royal heritage and culinary finesse. Whether you are a seasoned food enthusiast or an adventurous eater, these delectable offerings are sure to captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your palate.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to savor the flavors of Lucknow as we take you through a mouthwatering exploration of the city's most iconic and delectable cuisines. Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other, where every bite is a celebration of the rich history and culinary legacy of Lucknow – a city that truly knows the art of indulgence.

# Tunday Kebabs

Tunday Kebabs, a famous dish from Lucknow, are a culinary delight with a rich history. Created by Haji Murad Ali, known as "Tunday Miyan," these kebabs got their name due to his one hand disability. Made from finely minced mutton and tenderized with raw papaya paste, they offer a unique melt-in-the-mouth texture. Cooked on a grill or tandoor, they are served with mint chutney and onions, reflecting Lucknow's royal heritage and culinary legacy. A must-try dish for anyone visiting the city.

# Lucknowi Biryani

Lucknowi Biryani is a cherished rice dish from Lucknow, known for its rich flavors and royal heritage. Introduced by the Nawabs of Awadh, it combines Mughlai and Awadhi influences. The preparation involves slow-cooking marinated meat and rice together using the "Dum Pukht" method. The layers of fragrant rice and meat, along with spices and saffron, create a delightful aroma. Served with raita and shorba, Lucknowi Biryani offers a memorable culinary experience that reflects the city's cultural and gastronomic legacy.

# Galouti Kebabs

Galouti Kebabs are a famous Lucknowi delicacy known for their tender texture and rich flavors. Legend has it that they were created for a Nawab who had difficulty chewing. Made from finely minced meat, raw papaya is used as a natural tenderizer. The kebabs are cooked on a tawa, garnished with herbs, and served with roomali roti and mint chutney. A true culinary delight, Galouti Kebabs reflect Lucknow's culinary finesse and Nawabi heritage, making them a must-try for visitors to the city.

# Sheermal

Sheermal is a saffron-infused, slightly sweet flatbread from Lucknow, representing the city's culinary heritage. Made with all-purpose flour, milk, sugar, saffron, and ghee, the dough is rolled out and baked in a tandoor. It is best enjoyed with savory dishes and is popular during festive occasions. Sheermal is a symbol of Lucknow's rich culinary traditions and should not be missed by those visiting the city.

# Rahim's Nihari

Rahim's Nihari in Lucknow is a famous slow-cooked stew made with tender meat and flavorful spices. The dish is prepared overnight, infusing the meat with rich flavors. Served hot with naan or kulcha, it is garnished with fresh coriander and ginger. Rahim's Nihari is a beloved dish, and dining at the restaurant offers a charming experience that reflects Lucknow's culinary heritage. A must-try for those looking to savor the traditional flavors of the city.

# Pasanda Kebabs

Pasanda Kebabs in Lucknow are tender and succulent meat kebabs known for their rich flavors. Made from thin slices of meat marinated in yogurt and spices, they are cooked on a grill or in a tandoor. Served with garnishes and accompanied by naan or roti, these kebabs are a popular choice in Lucknow's culinary scene. A must-try for those seeking a taste of the city's authentic Awadhi cuisine.

# Kulfi Falooda

Kulfi Falooda is a popular and refreshing dessert in Lucknow, combining creamy Kulfi and chilled Falooda. Kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream, is prepared with milk and flavorings, while Falooda consists of vermicelli noodles and rose syrup. Served in a tall glass with toppings like basil seeds and nuts, Kulfi Falooda is a delightful and aromatic treat, perfect for cooling down and enjoying the flavors of Lucknow's culinary culture.

# Lucknowi Paan

Lucknowi Paan is a traditional betel leaf delicacy in Lucknow, representing the city's cultural heritage. It is made by filling fresh betel leaves with a variety of sweet and savory fillings, such as gulkand and fennel seeds. Served after meals, paan is a palate cleanser and mouth freshener, often enjoyed as a social and cultural experience during gatherings and celebrations. Lucknow offers various flavored and specialty paans, making it a must-try for those seeking to explore the city's rich culinary and social traditions.

# Roomali Roti

Roomali Roti, also known as "handkerchief bread," is a thin and soft flatbread from Lucknow. Made from all-purpose flour and cooked on a hot griddle, it is folded in a manner resembling a handkerchief. This versatile bread is popularly served with various dishes, such as kebabs and curries, and is loved for its light texture and ability to complement different flavors.

# Pani Ke Batashe

Pani Ke Batashe, also known as Golgappa or Pani Puri in different regions, is a beloved street food snack in Lucknow. It consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a spicy and tangy mixture of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind chutney, and spices. The highlight is the flavored water or "Pani," made from a blend of mint, coriander, green chilies, cumin, and black salt, giving it a zesty and refreshing taste. To eat, the puri is cracked open, filled with Pani, and popped into the mouth, offering a delightful burst of flavors and textures. Variations with additional ingredients like boondi or grated radish are also popular.

# Kakori Kebabs

Kakori Kebabs are a renowned and delicious culinary specialty from Lucknow, India, named after the town of Kakori where they originated. They are made from finely minced lamb or mutton mixed with various spices and tenderizers to achieve exceptional taste and tenderness. Skilled chefs carefully pound the meat mixture on a stone slab to create a smooth texture. The kebabs are traditionally grilled on skewers over charcoal, giving them a smoky flavor. They are served with roomali roti or naan, accompanied by mint chutney, onions, and lemon wedges. Kakori Kebabs have historical significance as they were created for the Nawabs of Awadh, known for their love of rich and flavorful dishes.

# Shahi Tukda

Shahi Tukda is a popular dessert from Lucknow, India, known for its rich and royal flavors. It consists of crispy bread slices soaked in flavored sugar syrup and topped with sweetened condensed milk or rabri. Garnished with almonds and pistachios, it is served chilled and enjoyed for its indulgent taste. Reflecting the opulence of Awadhi cuisine, Shahi Tukda is a favorite dessert during special occasions and celebrations in Lucknow and beyond.

# Kathal Biryani

Kathal Biryani, also known as Jackfruit Biryani, is a vegetarian biryani dish from Lucknow, India. It features marinated raw jackfruit layered with partially cooked Basmati rice and aromatic spices. The biryani is cooked in the dum style to infuse flavors. It is a popular and flavorful dish that showcases the culinary creativity of Lucknow's chefs, catering to both vegetarians and biryani enthusiasts.

# Mutton Korma

Mutton Korma is a classic meat dish from Lucknow, India, known for its rich and creamy gravy. Tender mutton is marinated in yogurt and spices before being slow-cooked in a luscious gravy of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The dish is celebrated for its opulent taste and holds a significant place in Awadhi cuisine. Served with naan or rice, Mutton Korma remains a favorite among meat lovers, reflecting the culinary heritage of Lucknow's royal feasts.

# Imarti

End your culinary journey with Imarti, a traditional dessert made from deep-fried urad dal batter soaked in sugar syrup. This eye-catching and syrupy dessert is popular during festivals and celebrations, reflecting Lucknow's culinary traditions and love for sweet delicacies.