Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Lucknow, India
1. Tunday Kebab
Delicious kebabs made from minced meat, popularized by a Muslim restaurateur in Lucknow. Try it at Tunday Kababi.
- Minced Meat: Made from minced meat instead of cubed or sliced pieces.
- Legendary Chef: Recipe passed down through generations.
- Popularity: One of the most famous dishes from Lucknow.
2. Kakori Kebab
Tender kebabs originating from the Kakori railway station in Lucknow. You can find it at Ibrahimi's Restaurant.
- Railway Connection: Named after a train stop in Lucknow.
- Historical Significance: Inspired by a robbery event involving freedom fighters.
- Unique Preparation: Marinated in yogurt and spices before grilling.
3. Biryani
Lucknowi Biryani is a rich and aromatic rice dish made with marinated meat. Try it at Aasif Biryani.
- Rich Flavor: Infused with saffron, whole spices, and yogurt.
- Layered Cooking Technique: Meat and rice are layered to cook separately before being mixed.
- Regional Variation: Each region in India has its unique biryani recipe.
4. Galouti Kebab
Soft and melt-in-mouth kebabs made from finely ground meat. Try it at Karim's.
- Exquisite Softness: Made using a unique technique to ensure softness.
- Family Recipe: A closely guarded family recipe passed down for generations.
- Celebrity Patronage: Popular among Bollywood celebrities and politicians.
5. Sheermal
Soft bread made from milk, sugar, saffron, and aromatic spices. Best enjoyed with kebabs.
- Milk-Based: Made using milk instead of water or wheat flour.
- Aromatic Spices: Infused with saffron and cardamom for a delightful aroma.
- Complementary Food: Perfectly pairs with kebabs and biryani.
6. Kebab Roll
A unique dish consisting of a large kebab wrapped in flatbread. Try it at Makhdoom.
- Flatbread Wrap: Kebabs wrapped in soft, thin flatbread.
- Portability: Easy to carry and eat on the go.
- Versatility: Can be filled with various types of kebabs.
7. Chicken Zaffrani
A rich and aromatic chicken dish flavored with saffron. Try it at Alamgir Restaurant.
- Saffron Infusion: Infused with saffron strands for a distinctive flavor.
- Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly to allow the flavors to develop.
- Creamy Sauce: Served in a creamy sauce made with yogurt and spices.
8. Lucknowi Paratha
Flaky flatbread stuffed with potatoes, paneer, or minced meat. Try it at The Grand Bakery.
- Flaky Layers: Multiple layers of flaky dough.
- Stuffed Fillings: Filled with a variety of savory fillings.
- Versatile Accompaniments: Can be served with curries, chutneys, or pickles.
9. Nihari
A rich and flavorful stew made from slow-cooked beef shanks. Try it at Hussainabad Nihari Wali Gali.
- Slow Cooking: Cooked for several hours to tenderize the meat.
- Unique Spices: Infused with spices like black cardamom and cloves.
- Breakfast Dish: Traditionally served for breakfast.
10. Kulcha
Soft and fluffy bread stuffed with potatoes, paneer, or minced meat. Try it at Gamberdina.
- Soft and Fluffy: Soft texture due to the addition of yogurt.
- Stuffed Fillings: Filled with a variety of savory fillings.
- Versatile Accompaniments: Can be served with curries, chutneys, or pickles.
11. Zarda
Sweet rice dish made with saffron and dry fruits. Try it at Alamgir Restaurant.
- Saffron Infusion: Infused with saffron strands for a distinctive flavor.
- Dry Fruit Addition: Incorporates almonds, pistachios, and raisins.
- Special Occasion Dish: Traditionally served during weddings and festivals.
12. Korma
Mild curry made with slow-cooked meat in a creamy sauce. Try it at Wah Gharana.
- Creamy Sauce: Cooked in a creamy sauce made from yogurt.
- Slow Cooking: Cooked slowly to allow the flavors to develop.
- Mild Flavor: Less spicy compared to other curries.
13. Malai Makhana
Crispy fried makhana (fox nuts) coated with cream and sugar. Try it at The Grand Bakery.
- Creamy Coating: Coated in a layer of sweetened cream.
- Light and Crispy: Light and crispy texture.
- Sweet Snack: Ideal for satisfying a sweet craving.
14. Rasmalai
Soft cheese balls soaked in sweetened milk with rosewater and cardamom. Try it at The Grand Bakery.
- Soft Cheese Balls: Made from cottage cheese.
- Sweetened Milk: Soaked in sweetened milk infused with rosewater and cardamom.
- Creamy Texture: Creamy, smooth texture.
15. Chicken Tikka
Grilled chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices. Try it at The Grand Trunk.
- Yogurt Marinade: Marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices.
- Grilled Preparation: Cooked on skewers over hot coals or in a tandoor oven.
- Spicy Flavor: Infused with a variety of spices for a bold flavor.