Must-Try Foods In Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

The city of Lucknow, known for its Nawabi heritage, has a rich history that extends to its cuisine. The culinary delights of Lucknow, often referred to as Awadhi cuisine, derive from the Mughal cooking techniques. It is known for its sophistication and the depth of its flavors. Royal chefs and cooks called 'Rakabdars' played a significant role in enriching the gastronomy with innovations such as 'Dum' style of cooking, which involves slow cooking over a low flame. While Lucknow is famous for its non-vegetarian fare, including dishes made from chicken and mutton, it also offers a splendid array of vegetarian options that carry the same royal legacy in taste and presentation.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Lucknow

1. Kebabs (Non-Veg) - Lucknow is synonymous with kebabs. Galouti and Shami kebabs top this list, with their melt-in-the-mouth texture and aromatic spices.
2. Chaat (Veg) - The Aloo Tikki Chat and Basket Chaat are tantalizing vegetarian options with a balance of flavors ranging from tangy to spicy.
3. Lucknowi Biryani (Non-Veg) - A lighter version of its Hyderabad counterpart, this delicately flavored biryani is usually made with mutton or chicken.
4. Veg Kofta (Veg) - These are vegetable dumplings served in a smooth, rich gravy. It’s a vegetarian alternative to the meat-based kofta balls.
5. Malai Ki Gilori/Malai Paan (Veg) - A famed sweet of Lucknow, made from thin layers of milk cream, often filled with nuts and cardamom.
6. Makhan Malai (Veg) - Also known as Malaiyo, this is a winter delicacy, a frothy cream dessert flavored with saffron and cardamom.
7. Kakori Kebabs (Non-Veg) - Named after the town of Kakori on the outskirts of Lucknow, these kebabs are known for their rich taste and fine texture.
8. Sheermal (Veg) - A saffron-flavored traditional flatbread that accompanies many Lucknowi dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
9. Poori Sabzi (Veg) - A typical breakfast dish consisting of deep-fried breads served with a spicy potato curry.
10. Prakash Ki Kulfi (Veg) - A cooling dessert to wrap up a spicy meal. The kulfi here is dense and comes in various flavors.

Top Famous Restaurants in Lucknow

Tunday Kababi

Address: Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Galouti Kebabs (Non-Veg)

Royal Cafe

Address: 51, Opposite Sahu Cinema, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Basket Chaat (Veg)

Dastarkhwan

Address: 3/106, Vivek Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Lucknowi Biryani (Non-Veg), Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha (Veg)

Chappan Bhog

Address: Sadar Bazaar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Sweets like Rasmalai and Kaju Katli (Veg)

Sakhawat Restaurant

Address: 29, BN Road, Near Royal Hotel Crossing, Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Mutton Korma (Non-Veg)

Prakash Kulfi

Address: Aminabad Market, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Kulfi (Veg)

Sharma Tea House

Address: 14, Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Famous for: Chai and Samosas (Veg)