Aligarh is renowned for its cuisine which offers some best street food and some forgotten Mughal numbers which is hard to come by. One of its most popular dishes, for instance, is tehri, which is a vegetarian Mughali rice dish popularly made during festivities. Aligarh also boasts of a rich street food culture and its desserts are quite famous too.
Like many UP cities, Aligarh too offers a variety of chaat; one of the most famous ones is the Barule Chaat which features baby potatoes fried in a coating of besan and spices and served with some tangy chutney. If you want to explore some other delicacies of Aligarh, read on:
Tehri
One of the best things you’ll eat in Aligarh, Tehri is a fragrant rice dish cooked with an assortment of vegetables, spices, and sometimes, even meat. The aromatic blend of flavours, courtesy of the perfectly cooked rice, tender vegetables, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, make it a wholesome rice dish. Often served with raita or pickle, Aligarh ki Tehri embodies the essence of old-school Mughlai cooking.
Recommendation: Several shops near Jamia Nagar
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 150-200
Nargisi Kofta
This beloved dish derives its name from the Persian word 'nargis,' which refers to the narcissus flower. Nargisi Kofta is a culinary masterpiece that combines minced meat with eggs; however, the real hero of this dish is perhaps the concoction of spices. The minced meat koftas are rich, succulent, and bursting with flavours as they are seasoned with a blend of spices, shaped around boiled eggs, and then deep-fried to golden perfection.
Recommendation: Mezbaan
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 200-350
Aligarh ka Peda
No culinary journey through Aligarh would be complete without indulging in its iconic sweet treat, Peda. Several places in UP have their own rendition of peda, but the Aligarh peda is made from thickened milk, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes, pistachios, this fudge-like peda is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy with a soft, chewable texture and rich, milky flavour.
Recommendation: Vikas Sweets
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 100-200
Biryani
Biryani holds a cherished spot in Indian cuisine, and Aligarh's version of this fragrant rice dish is no exception. Aligarh ki Biryani is characterized by its long-grained Basmati rice cooked with succulent pieces of meat (often chicken or mutton), infused with aromatic spices, and layered to perfection. The slow cooking process allows the flavours to meld together and gives it an unforgettable taste and aroma.
Recommendation: Zafraan
Type: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 250-400
Shami Kebab
Renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust flavours, Aligarh’s shami kebab is a quintessential appetizer that has stood the test of time. Made from finely minced meat (usually lamb), lentils, and a medley of spices, the kebabs are shaped into patties and shallow-fried until golden brown. They’re juicier and softer than regular kebabs and are served with mint chutney and sliced onions.
Recommendation: Mezbaan
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 200-400
Khurchan
Khurchan is a long-lost Awadhi delicacy which is made in its traditional style in Aligarh. Prepared by sautéing finely shredded pieces of meat with spices, onions, and tomatoes, this Khurchan is cooked until the meat is tender and the flavours are well incorporated. Served hot with tandoori roti or naan, this dish is a favourite among locals for its hearty taste.
Recommendation: Mughal Darbaar
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 150-180
Sohan Halwa
This traditional Indian sweetmeat gets a distinct Aligarh twist in this delectable rendition. Made from flour, sugar, ghee, and flavoured with cardamom, Aligarh’s Sohan Halwa is renowned for its rich, buttery texture and a strong nutty essence. The addition of nuts like almonds and pistachios adds a delicious crunch to this Mughlai sweet treat which is famed for its caramelised finish and was first made during the late 1700s.
Recommendation: Kunjilal Dalsevwale (Halwaikhana)
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 200