Food is an integral part of people's lives. But when it comes to the Nawabon ka seher Lucknow, it's in the heart and soul of the people.
The spices and the authentic taste of Awadhi cuisine would definitely be tantalizing your taste buds and once you taste the foods, you'll surely be embraced with the opulence.
During my 3 day trip to Lucknow, I tried to eat and explore as much as I could.
Let me tell you my Gastronomic journey here in Lucknow:
1. Sharma Ji Ki Chai:
It is said that many people near the Hazratganj area don't kick start their day without sipping the piping hot chai from the Kulhad filled with love from the Sharma's. Also, they serve a soft bun filled with white Makkhan (Bun Maska) which goes really well with the Chai. Their samosa is unique too. It's a bit round in shape, filled with really delicious aloo. If anyone is fond of Poha like me, Sharma ji won't disappoint them; as well. Now one might think why people are so crazy about the Chai. Chai is not too sweet or not too milky. It's a perfect balance of both. First the cups will be filled with milk and tea would be poured into the cups. That will give the chai a nice frothy texture.
2. Bajpayee Kachodi Bhandar:
The next destination could be Bajpayee Kachodi Bhandar. This is pretty close to the Sharma ji ki chai. They serve delicious hot Puri and Kachodi with a spicy Chole alu ki Sabji. The sabji served will give you a burst inside your mouth. The puri is a little thick. You'll find multiple layers in it. But, this place is extremely popular amongst the locals.
3. Raheem's Kulcha Nahari:
This place is situated inside an extremely crowded gully but serves mouthwatering dishes like Kulcha, Nahari, Shirmal, Pasanda, Kebabs. The combination of soft Kulcha and hot mutton nahari is heavenly. The taste can't really be described unless you try it on your own. Even the kebabs were extremely soft and juicy. I personally didn't like the Shirmal that much. But that goes well with the kebabs though.
4. Idris Biryani:
This place too is quite a popular destination amongst the foodies, situated on a roadside small shop. I personally feel this place is a bit overhyped. The biryani over here is no doubt good and light but nothing overwhelming. You may find other biryanis better. It's very difficult to find a place to eat over here. We had to take a parcel and eat standing.
5. Royal Cafe:
Another popular joint in the iconic Hazratganj area. We went on the 25th of December and the place was overpacked. Tried their famous basket chat and felt it was overhyped again. I won't say it's bad, but one can find a better chat than this. Alu tikki, bhalla are put inside this and served with loads of Dahi and pomegranate seeds on the top. They put a little Hajmi on the side and that would help you to digest the food they say.
6. Tunday Kababi:
Probably this is the most iconic joint in Lucknow. Galwati kabab - Tunday Kababi & Lucknow are said all together. Galwati kabab tastes extremely well and it actually melts in the mouth. It goes well with soft & hot Paratha. I personally felt the Buffalo Galwati was better than the mutton galwati. This place serves biryani too and I liked it more than Idrees biryani. We also tried the Chicken malai kabab and it was very soft and juicy.
7. Prakash ki Mashoor Kulfi:
Very close to the Tunday Kababi in the old Nasirabad road. They serve different types of Kulfi with falooda. The taste of Kulfi was too good with the perfect balance of kesar and sweet. A perfect dessert after a wholesome meal.
8. Moti Mahal, Hazratganj:
This is also a very famous & old sweet shop in the Hazratganj area. A little overpriced I would say, but sweets over here are actually good. We tried the Makkhan Malai, Imarti with Rabdi and Kali gajar ka halwa. Loved the Kali gajar ka halwa.
That's it folks. We've had food from a few other places too. But those do not really belong to the iconic Awdhi cuisine. Hence I've not mentioned those. Please let me know your thoughts on this writing (I'll try to improve myself with your feedback) and if you feel this is good, please do like comment and share and I'm reachable on @aritraghosh93 on Instagram in case of any information required!