Introduction to Lucknow Street Food
Lucknow, a city that still strongly carries the influence of its Mughal past in its culture, music, buildings, and people, has also been a faithful preserver of all the authentic and luxurious delicacies that have come to us from the nawabs of the Mughal era. From everyone’s all-time favorite biryani to different mouthwatering kebabs, parathas, kormas, or even the creamiest kulfis, the famous Street foods in Lucknow always attract tourists from other parts of the country. Today We’ll talk about the best Lucknow dishes you must try at least once in your lifetime!
Exploring Lucknow's Iconic Street Food
Let us explore some of the most iconic Lucknow street food dishes that have ruled the Lucknow streets for the longest time.
Tunday Kabab
The iconic Tunday Kebabs are made of buffalo meat and incorporate a special masala with almost 160 spices! These world-famous kebabs result from a contest by one of the nawabs in the 17th century to make the softest kebabs without compromising the taste, aroma, and flavors. Tunday Kababi is a legendary restaurant known for its wide variety of kebabs. Signature dishes of Tunday Kababi comprise Galawati kebab, Tunday Paratha, Tunday kabab, Firni, and Kheer.
Places to find:
Naushijan Darbar
This is the go-to restaurant for people who want to try the best Tunday Kebabs at the best prices. Naushijan Darbar is affordable for everyone looking for the most authentic Tunday Kebabs.
Location: Press Road Complex, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timing: 12:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: Tunday Kebab, chicken tikka, kakori kabab, Mughlai paratha, Shahi tukda
Cost for two: 600 INR
The Mughal's Dastarkhwan
The Mughal’s Dastarkhwan is another of Lucknow’s iconic restaurants known for its delicious kebabs. Also loved for its aromatic biryanis, The Mughal’s Dastarkhwan has the perfect Awadhi cuisine.
Location: 104 Wala Qadar Road, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow
Timing: 1:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.
Food recommendations: Chicken korma, Tandoori chicken, Galawati kebab, Shami kebab, Mutton Rogan Josh.
Cost for two: 700 INR
Galouti Kabab
Galouti Kabab is a special kabab with the softest texture among all the other kebabs. Made from minced mutton, the kebab includes various spices, chana dal, and onion paste. Galouti Kebabs originated in the 17th century. It was created in the kitchens of the Awadhi Nawabs when Nawab Asad-ud-Daula, a toothless fellow, could not give up on his love for kebabs and wanted the softest kabab to be made for him so that he could relish it.
Places to find:
Tunday Kababi
This is one of the most popular and oldest restaurants to serve a wide range of delicious and mouthwatering kebabs. This was the first restaurant that brought the royal Galouti Kebab to ordinary people.
Location: 168/6, Naaz Cinema Road, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timing: 12:30 P.M. – 11:30., P.M.
Food recommendations: Mutton Tunday, Warqi Paratha, Sheermal Roti, Galawati kebab
Cost for two: 500 INR
FalakNuma Restaurant
You will find the best mouth-melting Galouti kebabs in this restaurant, leaving you paralyzed with their boosting flavors and aroma. The restaurant provides the best Awadhi cuisine along with a live Ghazal session.
Location: 8, Hotel Clarks Avadh, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timing: 12:30 P.M. – 3 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.-11:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: Galouti Kebabs, Murgh Reshmi Kebab.
Cost for two: 3,000 INR
Basket Chaat
There are a lot of variations in the chaat items found in different places in the country. Basket chaat has become a huge part of Lucknow Street food today. The basket chaat incorporates a wide variety of mouthwatering spices and other ingredients like- grated fried potatoes, spicy and sweet chutneys, boiled chickpeas, curd, etc. If you want to look at some more ultimate mouthwatering chaat items, look up Best Street Food in Gurgaon.
Places to find:
Royal Cafe
For over 40 years, The Royal Cafe in Lucknow has been the ultimate go-to place for all Chaat lovers. It is the legendary chaat place where you will find different types of delicious chaats, including the famous Basket Chaat.
Location: 51, MG Marg, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timing: 11:00 A.M.- 11:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: Dal arhar, Dahi Batashe, Chaat, Pani puri
Price for two: 650 INR
King of chaat
This is also one of the must-go places in Lucknow for trying out a wide range of chaat items and golgappas. It has the best chaat in the entire city. Also, it is one of the oldest Lucknow Street food joints.
Location: MG Marg, near KD Singh Stadium, Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timing: 4:30 P.M.- 8:30 P.M.
Food recommendations: panipuri, Aloo tikki chaat, special kesar bhajia
Cost for two: 150 INR
Lucknowi Biryani
Lucknowi Biryani has the ultimate flavor burst and a unique floral scent that makes it one of the favorite types of biryanis among biryani lovers. Lucknowi biryani incorporates aromatics and unique cooking techniques inspired by the Mughals. Read the best non-veg in Delhi to find out about more Mughal-inspired cuisines. The Lucknowi biryani rice is slowly cooked with yakhni stock and many aromatic spices for 2-4 hours.
Places to find:
Wahid Biryani
This is a very popular restaurant in Lucknow, known for the best aromatic and delicious Lucknowi style biryani. The restaurant provides a very generous amount of meat in the biryani, which is perfectly cooked. It is a clean place with a great ambiance.
Location: Old Nazirbad Road, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timing: 11:00 A.M.- 11:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: Chicken Masala, Yakhni pulao, Awadhi Biryani
Cost for two: 300 INR
Idris Biryani
Situated at a prominent location in Lucknow, Idris Biryani is the go-to place for authentic Lucknowi biryani. One will find the restaurant crowded throughout the day. The affordable cost, premium food, and good services have gained this establishment a huge customer base.
Location: Raja Bazar, Chowk, Lucknow
Timing: 12:00 Noon – 3:00 P.M & 4:00 P.M.- 9:30 P.M.
Food recommendations: Awadhi Biryani, Boti Kebab, Mutton Biryani.
Cost for two: 300 INR
Lesser known Street Delights
Lucknow is a junction of mouthwatering delicacies. Let us explore some more Lucknow Street Foods that are not that well known, but one must try them at least once in their life.
Kulfi Falooda
This is an Indian summer dessert that is loved by all. It gives a refreshing taste and can also be called a traditional Indian ice cream, only denser and creamier. Filled with whole cream and topped with saffron, pistachio, jelly, and crushed nuts, Kulfi Falooda is one of the most beautiful desserts. Popular flavors include – Malai kulfi, paan kulfi, pista kulfi, Mawa kulfi, etc.
Places to find:
Prakash ki Mashoor Kulfi
This restaurant has been serving the best Kulfi Faloodas for years now. It is a place that all local people love to visit, as it has got the best Kulfi Faloodas in many unique flavors. Nothing beats the Kulfis of this restaurant.
Location: 12&13, fruit lane, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timing: 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 P.M.
Food recommendations: Badam kulfi, Kesar Pista, Sugar-free kulfi
Cost for two: 200 INR
Manoj Sahu Kulfi Faluda
This is the perfect place for anyone looking for the best Kulfi Falooda at an affordable cost. The ambiance of the place is lovely. However, no seating arrangement is available.
Location: Maya Nagar, Daliganj, Lucknow
Timing: 6:00 P.M.- 10:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: special Kulfi Falooda, Matka Kulfi, Kesar Kulfi
Cost for two: 150 INR
Nimish
Nimish is a traditional dessert of Lucknow. Originating from the city of the Nawabs, the desert has a rich history dating back to the era of the Nawabs. The dessert is creamy but also light and has a pudding-like texture. Mainly made from boiled milk which is cooled in earthen pots overnight and whipped till fluffy in the morning, Nimish is a special Lucknowi dessert that is a must-try.
Places to find:
The Awadh's Dastarkhwan
This is the go-to place for most locals. The menu and dishes of this restaurant will never disappoint you! The prices are also super pocket friendly.
Location:TC 34/V2, Cyber Tower, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
Timing: 1:30 P.M.- 10:30 P.M.
Food recommendations: Mutton Galouti Kebab, Zafrani Kheer, Nimish
Cost for two: 820 INR
Mubeen's
Many people consider Mubeen’s restaurant to be highly underrated! The restaurant offers a wide range of Awadhi cuisine at affordable prices. The food served is always cooked to perfection.
Location: Hotel Akbari Gate, Abdul Aziz Road Chowk, Lucknow
Timing: 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 A.M.
Food recommendations: Mughlai Chicken, Kheer, Nimish
Cost for two: 500 INR
Boti kebabs
Boti kebabs are less popular than the Tunday or Galouti Kebabs, but they are equally tasteful and worth trying. These kebabs are usually enjoyed as snacks, chutneys, and raw onions. Boti kebabs are made of chicken or mutton, marinated with many ingredients, including yogurt, and cooked barbecue style.
Placed to find:
Kareem Kababi
This restaurant is a favorite among the locals. From its great ambiance and delicious food, nothing about the restaurant can be considered negative.
Location: Masjid Khawas, Maulviganj, Aminabad, Lucknow
Timing: 12:30 P.M. – 11:00 P.M.
Food recommendations: Kebabs, Rolls, Pav Bhaji
Cost for two: 350 INR
Lucknowi Kabab restaurant
This restaurant is unknown but has one of the best foods and services. The restaurant has a vast menu with foods ranging from Kebabs, Biryanis, Shirmals, and kormas to kulfis, cooled shakes, and many more. Home delivery options can also be opted for.
Location: Near Era 39, Medical College Road, Chowk, Lucknow
Timing: 11:00 A.M.- 12: 00 Midnight
Food recommendations: Mutton Kebab, Mutton Korma, Tawa Chicken
Cost for two: 500 INR
Street Food Hotspots in Lucknow
Lucknow is famous for its unique and unmatchable delicacies and dishes. Let us explore some of the best Street food places in Lucknow.
Hazratganj Market
Hazratganj Market is a prominent Street food center. You will always find the streets of Hazratganj filled with tourists, regular shoppers, and foodies. The place has many restaurants, malls, offices, and markets. It is the heart of Lucknow city and a bustling food hub. Hazratganj has got all the famous Street food in Lucknow. Feel free to spoil yourself with all the mouthwatering delicacies of Awadhi cuisine.
Some of the Lucknow Street Food restaurants that you must try while at the Hazratganj Market are:
- King of chaat
- Royal Café
- Sharma ji ki chai
- Rovers
- Moti Mahal Restaurant
Chowk Area
Though situated in old Lucknow, the place has seen many renovations. Today it is one of the most important food hubs of the city, carrying all the authentic delicacies of its Mughal history. This place is known for its markets and the huge variety of foods. Try all the famous Street food in Lucknow and relish the lovingly prepared dishes of the Awadhi cuisine here at Chowk.
Some of the iconic food joints of Chowk, Lucknow are:
- Tunday Kababi
- Mubeen’s Restaurant
- Raheem Qulcha Nahari
- Idris Biryani
- Kebabchi Lucknow
Aminabad Bazar
Aminabad Bazar in Lucknow is a bustling Street shopping and food center. It has become such an important and busy place today that it is often compared to Chandani Chowk in Delhi. It is the favorite place for all food lovers and especially non-veg lovers. People come here to try all the delicacies found here in Aminabad Bazar. It is an affordable and pocket-friendly place and will get you all the best and renowned food of Awadhi cuisine.
Some of the must-visit restaurants in Aminabad Bazar that often get unnoticed are:
- Prakash Kulfi
- Netram Mithai
- Pandit ji Chaat corner
- Mughal Zaika
- Tunday Kababi
The Street Food Culture Of Lucknow
Lucknow Street food is known far and wide and loved for its unique flavors and cooking techniques. The people of this city are great foodies, and their extraordinary dishes attract people from other parts of the country. Food is an integral part of their culture, festivals, and events. All celebrations include many mouthwatering delicacies and various sweets and desserts. The local Lucknow Street food has also played a significant role in forming the image of Lucknow as a tourist destination. The authentic Awadhi cuisine attracts thousands of tourists to the city of Lucknow every year.
Conclusion
Lucknow, known as ‘The City of the Nawabs’, has an immensely unique and flavorful cuisine that attracts people from far-off places. Lucknow offers healthy street foods made with special care without compromising their iconic tastes. There is an excellent variety of Street foods found in Lucknow. Every bend and corner of the Lucknowi streets has got some special delicacies to offer. The diverse and authentic Lucknow street food embody the rich culture and traditions of our past. It helps us reconstruct the lives and customs of our forefathers. Traveling and discovering new delicacies, presented in new and unique manners, is something we all should experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lucknow is famous for – Tunday Kebabs, Shami kebabs, Galouti Kebabs, Basket Chaat, Kulfi Falooda, Lucknowi paan, etc.
Tunday ke kabab, Awadhi biryani, and Shirmal are the best dishes in Lucknow.
Different types of Biryanis, Kebabs, and chaats are the most popular Street foods in Lucknow.
Lucknow is known for many of its famous desserts and sweets. Nimish, Zafrani Kheer, and Lucknow ki Revdi are some of them.
