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Lucknow is known as a multicultural city that has flourished with incredible history, fine arts, and a rich cultural heritage. The land of the Nawabs is also a major attraction for foodies from across the country. From kebabs to biryani, a mind-blowing selection of mouth-watering dishes is available in every corner of the city. Lucknow is highly popular for its street food.
This place offers a beautiful amalgamation of Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine. The city can be a heaven for non-vegetarian lovers. Plenty of kebabs and sweetmeats are lined up in the shops of Lucknow, welcoming food connoisseurs. Besides kebabs, there are many other dishes to try in the land of the Nawabs. If you are planning to visit Lucknow recently, here are the top ten delicacies to try in the city:
Kebabs
Kebabs are a synonym for Lucknow. This delicacy has been ruling the city for ages. With a crispy outer layer and a soft filling inside, these popular snacks are prepared in different ways with a range of vegetables and meats. Best served with rumali roti, the most popular varieties to try in the city are Tunday kebabs, mutton barra, galouti kebabs, and vegetarian shami kebabs.
Biryani
As Lucknow is known as the city of the Nawabs, how can biryani not be part of their cuisine? This delicacy is prepared by slow-cooking rice and meat separately with flavourful spices such as garlic, chillies, yoghurt, mint leaves, and fried onions. It is also topped with fried potatoes, coriander leaves, and nuts. Lucknowi biryani is usually served with raita, or a gravy called salan made from chillies. Veg handi dum biryani, Awadhi biryani, and mutton biryani are some of the must-try varieties in Lucknow.
Basket Chaat
Popularly known as tokri chaat, this is one of the most popular street foods in Lucknow. Basket chaat is a lip-smacking item that is prepared by filling a crispy tokri with mashed potatoes, bhalle, green gram dal, and different types of chutneys and curd. Then it is garnished with pomegranate seeds, sev, and masalas.
Kulcha Nihari
Besides kebabs, this is another special delight for meat lovers. Kulcha nihari is a famous Mughlai dish that is available in every corner of the city. Nihari is basically meat, which is served in a thick and flavourful gravy along with a soft bread called kulcha. The locals also relish it with fried onions and lemon slices.
Malai Makhan
Malai makhan is a creamy, fluffy, and flavourful sweet dish from Lucknow that is also known as nimish. Mostly served during the winter season, it is prepared with fresh unsalted butter, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and yellow food colour. This mouth-melting treat is also topped with lots of khoya and chopped nuts.
Sheermal
Influenced by Mughlai cuisine, Lucknow offers a variety of breads that are relished with different side dishes. One such bread is sheermal. This puffy, sweet, and fragrant soft bread is a type of naan that is flavoured with milk. It can be enjoyed with spicy curries as well as a hot cup of tea.
Kulfi Faluda
This is a special treat from the city that is perfect to enjoy on a hot summer day. Kulfi faluda is prepared with milk and lots of dry fruits, saffron, and cardamom powder, and then topped with faluda. This mouth-watering dessert is available in different flavours, like butterscotch, mixed fruit, strawberry, paan, and the traditional kesar kulfi.
Imarti Rabri
This is a heavenly combination of two delicious desserts: crispy, hot imarti and creamy, chilled rabri. Being a part of Nawabi cuisine, it is perfect for people with a sweet tooth. Lucknow vendors serve imarti rabri along with the garnishing of chopped almonds and rose petals. Just one bite of this delight, and you will fall in love with it.
Chole Bhature
This well-known Punjabi dish is a popular street food in Lucknow. Chickpea curry, made with flavourful spices, is served with crispy bhature. Though you can find this delicacy in every part of the country, Lucknowi-style chole bhature is a must-try. It is also served with some chopped onions, lemon slices, and pickles.
Kachori
This is an amazing breakfast option in the city. You can find kachoris on the streets as well as in restaurants. Khasta kachoris are usually served with deep-fried aloo sabzi or white chickpea curry. It is very delicious as well as filling. These crispy delights are also highly affordable.
