Legends of Lucknow: Best Places to Eat in Lucknow

Best Places to Eat in Lucknow

Lucknow or Awadh as it was called in the days of Nawabs is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. A historical city famous for its hospitality, Lucknow welcomes visitors with great joy and enthusiasm, treating their tastebuds to a culinary spread as diverse and legendary as the city’s varied cultural past. If you are planning to visit Lucknow and looking for the Top Best Places to Eat in Lucknow, keep reading.

Sources say that it was first the city of Lakshman, i.e., Lakshmanpur, given to him by his brother, Lord Ram who ruled in Ayodhya just 40 miles away. The city retained its autonomy during the Mughal Empire, as it was ruled by its own Nawabs who named the region Avadh. The rule of the Nawabs, however, gave way to the rise of the East India Company, with Lucknow being a part of 1857 mutiny. The name Lucknow itself is the anglicized version of the name Lakhnau, a remnant of the city’s glorious past.

A departure from the traditional Mughlai fare found in North India, the Nawabi cuisine of Lucknow offers you mouth-watering delights with a special Lakhnawi twist and a taste of history with every bite. So, without further ado, here are the top 7 places you must visit when you come to Lucknow:

1. Tunday Kababi, Aminabad

No matter where you are in India, you have probably heard of the legendary Tunday kebabs. A classic Lakhnawi specialty, these spiced kebabs made using a secret family recipe that is zealously guarded by the descendants of the original one-armed cook.
These tender, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs taste delicious with Roomali roti, Mughlai paratha or even the slightly sweet Sheermal. The Chowk location serves meaty beef kebabs while the Aminabad location serves a wide array of both mutton and beef kebabs including Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebab, Kakori Kebabs, Gelawati Kebabs, Seekh Kebabs, and their signature Patili-ke-Kebabs. So, if you are planning a trip to the city of the Nawabs, don’t forget to drop by to taste these tender bites of heaven.

2. Idrish ki Biryani
Lucknow aake Idrish ki biryani nahi khayi toh kya khaya! While there are various versions of this spiced rice dish available across the country, Lakhnawi dum biryani is known for its subtle flavours and delicate taste. Just imagine well-cooked pieces of chicken and mutton all hidden in a pile of fragrant rice with each long-grain oozing with deliciousness. However, just any biryani won’t do, for an authentic taste of dum biryani, we recommend Idrish who serves delicious chicken and mutton biryani, from his original stall in Chowk in Old Lucknow.
Make sure you get there early as they only make a limited quantity each day and sell out quite early.

3. Rahim Ke Nahari-Kulche
Another classic Lucknow dish that takes its name from the chef who first made it, Rahim ke Nahari-Kulche at Akbari Gate, Chowk, offers you a hearty meat dish that you must try on your next visit to the city. Imagine tender pieces of meat in a rich gravy and eaten with freshly baked tandoori Kulche. The resulting heartburn can be treated with a glass of spiced buttermilk, but trust us it’s worth it. Hence, this place deserves to be on our list of best places to eat in Lucknow.

4. Shukla Chaat House
For those who thought that Lucknow was only about kebabs and biryani, here’s a surprise! The city is equally famous for its Chaat. From the famous Basket Chaat available at Royal Cafe to the famous Shukla and Jain Ki Chaat, there is something for every taste. However, if we were to choose just one, then we would advise you to drop by Shukla Ki Chat in Hazratganj for a taste of their sweet chutney and famous aloo and matar tikkis. Not to mention their Pani Batshas served with both sweet and spicy water.

5. Sharma Tea Stall
Another Lucknow hotspot, the Sharma Tea Stall is a perennial favourite of youngsters and office workers alike. Famous for its Bun-Makkhan that drips homemade butter and the larger-than-life spicy samosas served with a cup of Kulhad Chai, this spot is the perfect spot to enjoy some simple yet hearty fare.

6. Bajpayee Ki Kachori
Another vegetarian specialty that you must try in Lucknow is the crunchy fare at Bajpayee Kachori Bhandar. The favourite haunt of students, the place serves freshly-fried, crispy Kachori and Khasta with spicy aloo sabzi.

7. Ram Asrey
If you are a lover of sweets then there is no better place than Ram Asrey to let your sweet tooth loose. Try out Awadhi delicacies like Malai Pan and their wide variety of Cheena Mithai. If you happen to visit during the winters, do not forget to try their seasonal specialities Kali Gajar ka Kalwa, a rich, purple variant of the original made with, you guessed it right, black carrots.