Hidden Gems of Lucknow Must-Try Dishes Beyond the Usual Tunday and Biryani

Lucknow, often referred to as the `City of Nawabs,` is not just famous for its Tunday Kebabs and Awadhi Biryani. The city has a culinary history that`s much deeper and richer than its well-known dishes. If you`re a food lover looking to explore more, here are ten iconic Lucknow dishes that you absolutely must try!

1. Nihari-Kulcha: The Royal Breakfast

Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made from tender mutton, simmered in aromatic spices. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast dish, it’s paired with soft, flaky kulchas. This combination gives you a hearty, royal start to the day. For an authentic experience, head to places like Dastarkhwan, where you can taste the real essence of this Nawabi delicacy.

2. Sheermal: The Sweet, Saffron-Infused Bread

A mildly sweet, saffron-flavored flatbread, Sheermal is a product of Mughal influence on Lucknow’s cuisine. Baked in a tandoor, it pairs beautifully with kebabs or rich gravies, adding a unique touch of sweetness to savory dishes.

3. Tokri Chaat: Crunchy, Tangy, and Spicy

If you`re a fan of street food, you can’t miss Tokri Chaat. This dish features a crispy, fried potato basket filled with boiled chickpeas, tangy tamarind chutney, yogurt, and a mix of spices. The combination of textures and flavors in every bite is an explosion of taste!

4. Malai Ki Gilori: The Melt-in-the-Mouth Delight

Malai Ki Gilori is a delicate dessert made from cream (malai), wrapped in thin layers and often filled with a mixture of nuts and flavored with cardamom. This soft, melt-in-the-mouth treat showcases Lucknow’s love for rich yet subtle sweets.

5. Rogan Josh: A Fragrant Mutton Curry

Rogan Josh is a fragrant mutton curry made with a perfect blend of spices, yogurt, and browned onions. Slow-cooked to perfection, it is a staple in Lucknow’s non-vegetarian cuisine, reflecting the city`s Mughal heritage.

6. Kulfi Falooda: A Refreshing Summer Dessert

Kulfi Falooda is a traditional frozen dessert made with thickened milk flavored with cardamom and saffron. Served with vermicelli noodles and rose syrup, it`s an ideal treat, especially during the hot summer months.

7. Shami Kebab: Minced Meat Perfection

Shami Kebabs are soft, savory patties made from minced meat (usually mutton), chickpeas, and a blend of spices. Shallow-fried to perfection, these kebabs are the perfect appetizer, offering a rich and flavorful bite.

8. Awadhi Biryani: A Royal Rice Dish

Awadhi Biryani is a delicately spiced rice dish, made with layers of marinated meat, aromatic spices, and saffron. Unlike the spicier biryanis, Awadhi Biryani offers a nuanced and sophisticated flavor, reflecting the refined tastes of the Awadhi Nawabs.

9. Sheer Korma: The Festive Pudding

Sheer Korma is a rich, creamy pudding made from vermicelli cooked in sweetened milk, garnished with dates and nuts. Traditionally made during festivals, it’s a dish that celebrates Lucknow’s festive spirit and rich flavors.

10. Makhan Malai: A Cloud-Like Sweet Delight

Makhan Malai is a frothy, creamy dessert made by churning milk and cream, flavored with saffron and cardamom. This winter specialty is known for its light and airy texture, offering a delicate sweetness that’s perfect for the colder months.

Exploring these dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a deeper appreciation for Lucknow’s rich culinary traditions. Each dish tells a story of history, culture, and flavor that goes beyond the famous kebabs and biryani!