Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a city steeped in history, culture, and delicious cuisine. Known for its Awadhi-style cooking, Lucknow offers a variety of dishes and eateries for visitors to experience. From kebabs to curries to sweets, Lucknow’s food scene has something to delight every palate.
Take a Bite Out of Lucknow’s Famous Kebabs
Lucknow is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth kebabs, crafted from select cuts of meat and an array of spices. Some kebabs are cooked over hot coals, while others are fried to perfection. Don’t miss out on these must-try kebabs when in Lucknow:
Tunday Kabab
With over a century of experience, Tunday Kabab in Chowk is the go-to place for the soft, succulent Lucknowi-style beef kebabs. Their secret recipe uses over 100 spices to create kebabs that simply melt in your mouth. Try them with roomali roti for the perfect bite. They also have a branch in Aminabad that serves mutton kebabs.
Tundey Kebabi
Located in the bustling Chowk area, Tundey Kebabi uses a family recipe perfected over generations to churn out the iconic galawati kebabs. Their specialty is the melt-in-the-mouth buffalo meat kebabs, best enjoyed with ulte tawe ka paratha.
Meal at Makkhan Malai
Makkhan malai, a winter delicacy made with saffron-flavored whipped cream, is not to be missed when in Lucknow. Topped with dry fruits and malai, this sweet dish is light and fluffy in texture. Visit the Chowk area during winter to try authentic makkhan malai.
Dig into Rich Curries & Biryanis
In addition to kebabs, Lucknow is famous for its aromatic curries and biryanis slow-cooked to perfection:
Idris Biryani
Idris in Chowk is famed for its flavorful Awadhi-style biryani, cooked dum style with aromatic spices and chunks of chicken or mutton. Their recipe uses handpicked basmati rice and has been perfected over 50 years.
Rahim’s Nahari Kulcha
Visit Rahim’s in Chowk early morning to try their signature nihari – tender buffalo meat slow-cooked in a rich, spicy gravy and served with soft kulcha bread. It’s the perfect winter breakfast.
Basket Chaat in Hazratganj
This street-style chaat stuffed in a tokri (basket) is one of Lucknow’s popular snacks. It consists of dahi bhalla, aloo tikki, mixed veggies and chutneys. Try it near the Novelty Cinema in Hazratganj.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Lucknow offers a mind-boggling variety of traditional sweets and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some shops you must visit:
Bhool Bhulaiya in Chowk
Sample their wide range of traditional sweets, including rasmalai, gulab jamun, and khoya ladoo, at this sweet shop located near Rumi Darwaza.
Prakash Kulfi in Aminabad
Prakash Kulfi is famous for its traditional kulfi-faluda. Watch them assemble the perfect falooda with kulfi, sabza, rose syrup, falooda sev, and rabri.
Raja Thandai in Lalbagh
Cool off with a glass of this refreshing pre-mixed thandai available in a variety of flavors like kesar, rose, badam, and more.
Explore the Historical Monuments
Lucknow served as the capital of the nawabs of Avadh in the 18th century. Take a heritage walk to explore the grand monuments constructed during their reign:
Bara Imambara
This architectural marvel features the iconic Bhool Bhulaiya, a maze of corridors meant to confuse any intruder. Venture inside to admire the central arched hall and get a panoramic view of Lucknow from the roof.
Chota Imambara
Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, this site houses the tombs of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah and his family. The interior decor features chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and colorful calligraphy.
Residency
This sprawling complex of gardens and ruins served as the British Residency during the 1857 Siege of Lucknow. Wander through the site to see remnants of the fierce battle.
Rumi Darwaza
The iconic gate shaped like an upside-down Turkish cap marks the entrance to the Old City. The 60-foot-tall structure features European design elements combined with Awadhi motifs.
Take a Stroll in Lucknow’s Beautiful Gardens
Lucknow is home to numerous lush gardens perfect for relaxing strolls and picnics. Some of the gardens you must visit include:
Janeshwar Mishra Park
Spread over 376 acres, this is Lucknow’s largest park, featuring a picturesque lake, amphitheater, and walking tracks. Rent a cycle to explore the huge expanse dotted with trees and flowers.
Ram Manohar Lohia Park
Walk along pathways lined with flowers and fountains in this sprawling park located in Gomti Nagar. Look out for the imposing statue of Dr. Lohia within the park.
Shaheed Smarak
This memorial park honors India’s freedom fighters. Walk past life-size statues of revolutionaries as you make your way to the central sandstone Shaheed Smarak.
Begum Hazrat Mahal Park
Wander through lovely gardens surrounded by lush greenery named after the famous Begum of Awadh. The park offers an abundance of space for kids to run around and play.
Rejuvenate at Hussainabad Picture Palace
Built-in 1832, Hussainabad Picture Palace served as a recreational hub for the royal family. Today, it houses an art gallery showcasing Indian and European paintings in styles ranging from realism to abstract. The palace complex includes a Turkish bath and a royal theatre that hosts cultural shows. Spend an evening here admiring art and watching live performances.
Visit Lucknow’s Magnificent Mosques
Lucknow is home to grand mosques constructed in Indo-Islamic architectural styles. Pay a visit to these majestic places of worship:
Jama Masjid
Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the Jama Masjid features towering minarets, intricate floral designs, and a huge dome over the main sanctuary. Don’t miss the Roomi Darwaza, an imposing 60 feet gateway flanked by minarets.
Shahi Masjid
This mosque, built by Begum Jehan Ara, has a unique octagonal layout with five arches on each side. The interiors are adorned with floral motifs and verses from the Quran.
Teele Wali Masjid
Named after its concave lemon-shaped domes, this mosque has a symmetrical layout with two lofty minarets framing the central dome. The facade features multi-foil arches decorated with kalash motifs.
Shop for Chikankari Fabrics & Accessories
Lucknow is the hub for the intricate hand embroidery technique of chikankari. Pick up chikankari kurtis, sarees, and dupattas from these famous markets:
Chowk Market
Browse through rows of shops selling chikankari fabric and readymade garments. You can even watch artisans at work on their stitching.
Janpath Market
This open-air flea market offers chikan work on sarees, salwar suits, dupattas, bedsheets, and more at reasonable rates. Expect to haggle!
Kapoorthala
The go-to place for high-end chikan garments and sarees from renowned designers. You can find unique embroidery patterns and styles here.
UP Handloom
This government emporium sells chikan fabrics and readymade garments. Choose from a wide variety of shirts, Kurtis, sarees, and dupattas.
So enjoy Lucknow’s delicious cuisine, admire the architectural marvels, and bring home intricately embroidered chikankari souvenirs! Don’t hesitate to call India Movers for reliable packers and movers service in Lucknow.
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So forget about the logistics and focus on exploring Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage, iconic dishes, and historical landmarks!
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