Taste of Lucknow: Indulge in Lucknow’s best street food with our top 5 picks

Lucknow, known as the “City of Nawabs,” is famous for its rich history and vibrant culture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Under the Nawabs of Awadh, especially Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the city became a hub for arts, music, and beautiful architecture like the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. The Nawabi culture, which emphasized elegance and communal harmony, created the unique Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, blending Hindu and Muslim traditions.

A big part of Lucknow’s identity is its delicious food, especially Awadhi cuisine. The Nawabs’ kitchens gave us famous dishes like Galouti Kebabs, Dum Biryani, Nihari, and Kormas, known for their rich flavours and careful cooking methods. The street food scene in places like Chowk and Aminabad offers tasty treats such as Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, Kachoris, and Samosas, along with sweet desserts like Shahi Tukda and Kulfi. This mix of history, culture, and amazing food makes Lucknow a special place that continues to charm visitors.

Here are some famous street foods in Lucknow recommended by ThingsToDo:

1Kebabs

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Kebabs in Lucknow are legendary and have a rich history that dates back to the Nawabi era. The Nawabs of Awadh were known for their love of fine food, and their royal chefs created some of the most famous kebabs that we still enjoy today. These kebabs are known for their soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and flavorful spices. The making of kebabs in Lucknow is an art. Meat is minced and marinated with a mix of spices, herbs, and sometimes raw papaya to tenderize it. The mixture is then shaped and either grilled on skewers, cooked on a griddle, or fried. Some of the most popular types of kebabs include Galouti Kebabs, which are made with finely ground meat and spices, and Kakori Kebabs, known for their delicate texture and smoky flavour.

When it comes to the best non-veg street food in Lucknow, Galouti Kebabs are a standout. Galouti Kebabs are believed to have been created for an ageing Nawab who had lost his teeth but not his love for meat. Kakori Kebabs, on the other hand, are named after the town of Kakori, where they were first made. Tunday Kebabi, located in Aminabad, is one of the most famous places to try these traditional kebabs. The shop has been serving delicious kebabs for generations and is a must-visit for anyone exploring the culinary heritage of Lucknow.

2Biryani

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A big part of the city’s culinary heritage, Lucknowi Biryani, also known as Awadhi Biryani, is characterized by a unique cooking technique called “Dum Pukht,” where the rice and marinated meat are cooked together in a sealed pot over a slow flame. This method allows the flavours to meld beautifully, giving it a mild yet complex flavour profile. The ingredients of Lucknowi Biryani include long-grain basmati rice, marinated meat (usually chicken or mutton), yoghurt, saffron, rose water, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Unlike the Kolkata Biryani, which is known for its addition of potatoes and boiled eggs, or the Hyderabadi Biryani, which is spicier and uses a layering technique, Lucknowi Biryani focuses on the harmony of flavours without overpowering the palate.

Some great places to eat street food in Lucknow and enjoy authentic Biryani are Idris Biryani in Chowk, Lalla Biryani in Aminabad, and Wahid Biryani in Aminabad. Each of these spots is known for its delicious and authentic Lucknowi Biryani, offering a true taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

3Basket Chaat

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If you are looking for something vegetarian, spicy, and flavorful in Lucknow, the best chaat you can get is Basket Chaat. Basket Chaat, also known as Tokri Chaat, is a delightful snack that combines a variety of textures and flavours in one dish. Basket Chaat is made using a crispy, edible basket (or tokri) made from grated potatoes, which is deep-fried until golden and crunchy. This basket is then filled with a mixture of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, yoghurt, and a variety of spices. It is topped with crunchy sev, pomegranate seeds, and fresh coriander, creating a symphony of sweet, sour, spicy, and savoury flavours.

Some of the best places to try Basket Chaat in Lucknow include Royal Cafe in Hazratganj, which is famous for its perfectly balanced flavours and crunchy baskets, and Shree Kalika Chaat House, also in Hazratganj, known for its delicious and generously filled Basket Chaats. These spots are a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the vibrant street food scene of Lucknow.

4Kulcha Nihari

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Nihari is a rich, slow-cooked stew made with tender pieces of meat, usually beef or mutton, simmered overnight with a blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves. The dish gets its name from the Arabic word ‘Nahar,’ which means morning, as it was traditionally eaten as a hearty breakfast to start the day. Nihari is especially popular during the month of Ramzan when it is enjoyed as a nourishing meal before the dawn-to-dusk fast. However, its irresistible taste and comforting warmth make it a favourite throughout the year. Kulcha, a soft, fluffy bread, is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful Nihari. The combination of the pillowy kulcha and the savoury, aromatic stew is a match made in culinary heaven. This dish has a deep-rooted history in Lucknow, reflecting the city’s Mughal culinary heritage.

Some of the best places to find Kulcha Nihari in Lucknow include Tunday Kababi in Aminabad, renowned for its richly spiced Nihari and fluffy kulchas, and Wahid Biryani in Aminabad, which also serves a delicious version of this classic dish.

5Shahi Tukda

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If you think Lucknow is all about meat and savoury chaats, you’re missing out on a wonderful dessert: Shahi Tukda. This luxurious treat is a traditional Mughlai dessert made from fried bread slices soaked in a rich, creamy milk sauce flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and rose water. The bread becomes delightfully soft and sweet, creating a perfect contrast with the creamy milk mixture. Garnished with nuts like almonds and pistachios, Shahi Tukda is a truly indulgent way to end any meal.

To enjoy Shahi Tukda in Lucknow, try Tunday Kababi in Aminabad, Royal Cafe in Hazratganj, or Mauji’s in Chowk. These places are well-regarded for their authentic and mouth-watering Shahi Tukda.

Lucknow’s rich history and vibrant culture are inseparably linked to its culinary heritage. The city’s food scene, from lavish Nawabi feasts to bustling street food stalls, reflects the cultural fusion and refined tastes that define Lucknow. As the City of Nawabs, Lucknow continues to enchant visitors with its timeless elegance, warm hospitality, and, above all, its unforgettable cuisine.

So follow ThingsToDo for more food recommendations and tips on where to find the best places to eat street food in Lucknow.