Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is a city where every corner smells of food regardless of the place. Lucknow’s awadhi cuisine goes back to the era when Awadh (now Lucknow) was ruled by the Mughals. The Mughals were known for their luxurious life and fine cuisine. The royal chefs created delectable meals. Lucknow is a glutton's paradise where a large variety of food items, ranging from lip-smacking kebabs to drool-worthy sweetmeats, are available. Here are some authentic eateries that have been popular since decades which you cannot afford to miss.
Tunday Kebabi - The city is known for its world famous Tunday Kebabs. The meat is cooked slowly on charcoal which makes it lip-smacking. Tunday kebab is best served with roomali rotis since it melts as soon as it enters your mouth. The eatery serves both beef and mutton kebabs at a very cheap price.
Rattilal’s - Want to have a Nawabi breakfast? If yes, Rattilal’s must be your go to place. It has been serving mouth watering khastas since 1937. The khastas are served with aloo and chickpea sabzi topped with freshly chopped onion on a patta platter. Ratti Lal’ Khastaare is considered to be the pioneer of khastas in Lucknow.
Rahim’s - This 125-year-old eatery in old Lucknow is still one of the top awadhi restaurants in the city. Imagine tender beef marinated in a unique spice rub and simmered overnight before being placed within a freshly baked tandoori kulche. Nihari is best served with kulcha, a soft bread that is not to be mistaken with Punjabi kulchas!
Dastarkhwan - From exquisite galawati kebabs and mutton rogan josh to chicken biryani and shami kebab, Lucknow’s Dastarkhwan has it all. Experience all the Mughlai cuisine on one plate. All you have to do is envision heaven on a plate.
Prakash Ki Mashoor Kulfi - This city of Nawabi cuisine will never disappoint anyone with a sweet tooth. Started in 1965, this small shop situated at the heart of the city serves authentic kesar kulfi enriched in dry fruits which comes in both stick or with faluda. In addition to the classic flavour, they now offer strawberry, butterscotch, coconut, and chocolate flavours, all of which are delectable!
Idrees Biryani Corner - Nawabi cuisine is incomplete without its very usual dish! Started in 1968, Idris ki biryani serves a varied range of all the Awadhi flavours. A platter of fresh, fluffy, long-grain rice surrounded by chunky morsels of chicken/mutton is too wonderful to pass up.
Royal Cafe - In Lucknow and haven’t tried Royal Cafe’s chat ? More than 30 decades old, Royal Cafe happens to be one of the most happening street food place in Lucknow till date. Their iconic basket chaat is a must-try for every foodie, and a trip to the city isn't complete without a stop here!
Sharma Ji Ki Chai - This 60-year-old place is the most popular tea joint in Lucknow. Apart from its kulhad chai, its freshly baked bun Makhan and samosas stuffed with delicious potato mix are perfect compliments to the tea. Sharma is still known as the 'chai raja', owing to his long-standing reputation.
Bajpayee kachori Bhandar - Around 40 years old, this place is a major hotspot for vegetarian lucknowites.Throughout the day, the tiny shanty will be crowded, especially at breakfast and lunch.
Wahid Biryani - Another major Awadhi biryani hotspot, Wahid Biryani makes their biryani with combination of more than 55 ingredients enriched in all the Mughlai flavours. The biryani is a decadent dish that is frequently the cheat meal of Lucknowis.
