From Kebabs To Sweets: Explore Lucknow's Irresistible Street Food Scene

Lucknow as the capital of Uttar Pradesh & recognized for Nawabi culture and supreme food delicacies. Spicy kebabs, sweet dishes and so much more in the pulsating street food district. In this post we are listing 7 best street foods that you should try when in Lucknow and where to eat them.

Lucknow, the capital of the Hindi speaking state of Uttar Pradesh is known for its unique Nawabi culture, which invariably reflects in its exquisite food. The city is not only known for its rich food culture but is also famous for its exquisite street food. The vivid street life of Lucknow is bound to amuse food enthusiasts from Spicy Kebab to Sweet Epicurean. In this overview, we will take a look at 7 indispensable street foods of Lucknow. We will also let you know where best you can find them to give you as astounding an experience as it is meant to be.

1. Galouti Kebab

Galouti kebabs are perhaps the most well-known item in Lucknow's street food assortment. This mutton Galouti Kebab is soft and tender such that they melt. The soft kebabs were designed for an old Nawab who was averse to meat because of the chewing. The kebab consists of minced mutton mixed with raw spices and tenderizing agents such as raw papaya and spices and is tawa grilled.

Where to try: Located in the heart of Aminabad, Tunday Kababi is renowned for their Galouti Kebab. This eatery is famous for its kebabs among locals and tourists and has continued the tradition of over a century of serving these kebabs.

2. Kakori Kebab

These kebabs are another precious stone in the crown of Awadhi cuisine. They come from the tiny town of Kakori, which is situated just outside of Lucknow. What sets Kakori Kebab apart from the rest is the smoothness created by pounding the meat to a fine paste and mixing in exotic spices. Traditionally, these fine patties are served wrapped in roomali roti or paratha along with mint chutney and sliced onions.

Where to try: Located in Gomti Nagar, Kakori House serves the best Kakori Kebabs. This place respects the traditional norms for marriage and gives a royal treatment throughout the meal.

3. Tikki Chaat

In Lucknow, Tikki Chaat is served as a snack with a creative twist. Crispy Tikki topped with tangy chutneys, sev, onions, and yogurt immersed in bold and mouth watering spices. This dish is a mix of various savory flavors that are hard to resist. It's the perfect snack to accompany you on long walks around the bustling town.

Where to try: Everyone knows that Prakash Ki Kulfi in Hazratganj serves the best Tikki Chaat in the town. Do not forget to try their kulfi alongside as well for extreme satisfaction.

4. Nihari

Nihari is a jamboree of tastes, where beef or lamb shanks, along with cardamom, black pepper and clove spices, are slow cooked to a gentle simmer overnight. Nihari is almost always served with naan or sheermal and is enjoyed with a side serving of piping hot broth. Not only does Nihari serve as a hearty breakfast option, but is fully packed with nutritional goodness.

Where to try: Rahim Ki Nihari in Chowk is loved for its appetizing Nihari that's sure to put a smile on your face. We suggest you get there first thing in the morning, as those in the know about Ahmad's get ready quite early.

5. Malai Makhan Toast

Malai Makhan Toast is one of those recipes that caress the sweet tooth. Chopped bread slashes are deep fried and generously coated with sugar and homemade white butter (malai) which makes the toast taste divine. Some vendors even sprinkle a little chaat masala for a spicy twist, but even plain is good. It is incredibly filling, and oh so tasty.

Where to try: Grab this toast from roadside vendors in Hazratganj or Aminabad for an incredible experience. If you can, opt for stalls that provide freshly made butter for the best result.

6. Lucknowi Biryani

Though biryani originated from the Mughal chefs, the style that is associated with Lucknow goes a step further in terms of retaining aroma and subtleness of flavors. Unlike the more spicy Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknawi biryani features the use of whole spices and ghee on basmati rice. Tender cuts of chicken or mutton are layered with rice, and cooked in a sealed handi (pot), slowly, to set in all the flavors.

Where to try: Idris Biryani in Kaiserbagh is a local institution regarding biryani. Their dum style serves biryani, which serves every grain of rice and rice infused with flavor.

7. Jalebi-Rabri Combo

No food tour can ever be complete without the best Jalebi-Rabri combo. Crispy fried jalebis dipped in sugar syrup served with rabri, a dessert base of milk, cardamom, and nuts. Chewy Jalebis are glued with silky Rabri to create tastier, crunchy, milk soaked rings for everyone.

Where to try: Shree Radhe Lal Mandir Jalebi Wala in Charbagh is most noted for its jalebi and rabri. Locals trust that their recipes and other spices are of the finest quality.

Chowk, one of the oldest markets of Lucknow, is a perfect blend of classic and modern where every corner has something new to showcase. As a bonus tip, check out Chowk Market for some amazing street foods like Bedmi Aloo, Chaud Papdi, and Nimish which includes frothy milk topped with sugar. The narrow lanes of Chowk along with the historic havelis and buzzing food stalls present the beauty of Lucknow's culture.

To Conclude

The street foods of Lucknow demonstrate the city's blended culture is rich and sophisticated. The best part about exploring the city is grabbing a bite of its cuisine and relishing some tasty kebabs, spicy chaats, mouth watering sweets, and so on. By visiting the places given in the guide, along with the ones not mentioned, you will go on a unique journey embodying Lucknow's culture. So pack your bags and head out to fetch some tasty Indian delights.