What Food To Try in Lucknow and Food Prices

Awadhi Biryani - Aromatic basmati rice layered with marinated meat, slow-cooked with saffron and spices, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. Locals enjoy it at weddings or family gatherings to truly savor its rich, complex flavors.

Chaat - Aloo Tikki Chat - Crispy potato patties topped with tangy tamarind sauce, yogurt, and spices, offering a delightful mix of textures. Best enjoyed as a street food snack late afternoon; perfect for people-watching at bustling markets.

Kebabs - Seekh Kebab - Minced meat mixed with spices, skewered, and grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, smoky bites. Regularly eaten as a dinner option at roadside stalls; locals often order it with a side of fresh mint chutney.

Galouti Kebabs - Awadhi Specialty - Super-soft, spiced minced meat patties skillfully cooked with herbs and served with tangy onions. Commonly eaten during special occasions or festive gatherings, these are best enjoyed with warm naan.

Masoor Dal and Rice - Hearty red lentils cooked with spices, served alongside steaming rice for comfort in every bite. Popular as a home-cooked lunch, this dish signifies warmth and family togetherness, often paired with fried onions on the side.

Chole Bhature - Spiced chickpeas served with deep-fried bread, creating a crispy, fluffy combo that is adored by all. Enjoyed leisurely during weekend brunch, locals often dive in without hesitation, though asking for "extra bhature" can be a common rookie mistake.

Pakoda - Seasonal Snack - Seasonal veggies dipped in gram flour and fried until crispy; they’re perfect for rainy days. Often enjoyed as a tea-time snack, locals love sharing stories while snacking on these homemade delights.

Kheer - Special Occasion Dish - Creamy rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and cardamom, garnished with nuts. Usually reserved for festivals, it represents a sweet end to a traditional meal, often served in unique clay pots.

Chai - चाय (spiced milk tea) - A fragrant blend of black tea simmered with milk, cardamom, and ginger, often brewed to perfection in small roadside stalls. Locals treat it like an all-day ritual, sipping it along with snacks while engaging in lively conversations.

Thandai - ठंडाई (cold spiced milk drink) - A refreshing drink made from milk, nuts, and a mix of spices like black pepper and cardamom, usually enjoyed chilled. Especially popular during festivals like Holi, it's often served in traditional glasses, and you’ll want to say "No sugar" if you prefer it unsweetened, as locals tend to load it up!

Beej - बीज (local wine) - A potent beverage made from fermented fruits, typically enjoyed on special occasions or celebrations. Often poured into beautiful hand-painted glasses, it’s customary to share it during gatherings, but keep an eye out for its strength—it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Kulfiyan - कुल्फी (traditional ice cream) - A creamy, rich dessert made from condensed milk and flavored with cardamom, pistachios, or saffron, served on a stick or in small earthen cups. Perfect for cooling down in the hot summer heat, you might find it being enjoyed at street vendors who often add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for that extra touch.

Bakarkhani - बकरखानी (flaky pastry) - A delightful, crisp pastry made from flour and ghee, often flavored with cardamom, that’s best enjoyed with a cup of tea. Locals typically munch on it during evening gatherings—but be sure not to ask for it too freshly baked; it’s meant to be slightly dry and pairs best with tea as it softens up!