Kanpur, the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its leather industry, historical significance, and street food culture. If you find yourself walking down the streets of this city, be prepared to be hit by the aroma of freshly made chaats, kebabs and sweets. Every corner has a story to tell through its food and Kanpur’s street food is an experience.
Whether it’s a hot plate of Samosa Chaat loaded with tangy tamarind chutney or the sweetness of Kanpur’s famous Thaggu Ke Laddu, every bite tells the story of the city’s culinary heritage and love for flavours. You can’t leave Kanpur without trying crispy kachoris or savouring a cup of kulhad chai with local snacks. These street foods are more than just a snack, they are a key to the authentic taste and heart of Kanpur’s food.
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Go to the local street food stalls and not fancy restaurants to enjoy the desi flavours. Get ready to indulge!
Samosa Chaat
A must-try for all street food lovers. Crumbled samosas topped with spicy chickpeas, tangy yoghurt and tamarind chutney. Garnished with onions, coriander and sev. Every bite is a mix of spicy, tangy and sweet. You can find Samosa Chaat stalls all over Kanpur, especially near Moti Jheel and Naveen Market.
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Baati Chokha
A Bihar special, Similar to Litti Chokha, Baati Chokha is a rustic delight you cannot miss in Kanpur. Baati (round dough balls ) is roasted in a clay oven until golden brown and served with chokha, a mashed mix of roasted eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes, spiced to perfection. A dollop of ghee is added to it to make it rich and super satisfying. Best enjoyed at local eateries in Panki or Colonelganj areas where the original flavours are preserved.
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Thaggu Ke Laddu
You cannot leave Kanpur without trying Thaggu Ke Laddu. These laddus are made of khoya, ghee and sugar and flavoured with cardamom. The shop’s tagline “Aisa Koi Saga Nahi Jise Humne Thaga Nahi” adds to the charm of this sweet. Available only at Thaggu Ke Laddu outlets in Bada Chauraha and Naveen Market, these laddus are not just sweet, they are a symbol of Kanpur’s sweet heritage.
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Kachori Sabzi
Kanpur’s breakfast staple, Kachori Sabzi is the way to go. Crispy kachoris filled with spicy urad dal and served with a creamy potato sabzi that is loaded with spices. Often served with tangy pickles and onions, this is a local favourite. Go to The Ram Babu Kachori Wala in Phool Bagh for the best Kachori Sabzi. They have been serving this for years.
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Biryani
Kanpur’s biryani is unique and full of flavour. The rice is cooked with marinated meat, spices and herbs, and the result is a fragrant and delicious dish. Each spoonful is a taste of traditional Awadhi cuisine. Must try for any biryani lover. The best places to try this are Baba Biryani in Colonelganj and Al-Hussaini Biryani in Chamanganj.
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Makhan Malai
This light-as-air dessert is a winter speciality of Kanpur. Milk and cream are churned for hours, then sweetened and flavoured with saffron and cardamom. The result is a cloud-like sweet that just melts in your mouth. Often garnished with pistachios and rose petals, Makhan Malai is available only in winter. The best place to try this is near Parade and Bada Chauraha markets where vendors sell this traditional dessert from large hand-beaten copper vessels.
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Kulhad Chai With Bread Pakora
There is nothing like sipping on a hot cup of chai in an earthen kulhad (clay cup) with freshly fried bread pakora. This classic combo is a staple of Kanpur’s street food, especially during monsoon season. The earthy aroma of the chai and the spicy potato-stuffed bread pakora is the perfect snack. Go to the famous tea stalls near Mall Road or Moti Jheel for the best experience. Locals and tourists both love this combo.