CHAKH LE LUCKNOW

The Nawabs of Awadh had a significant influence on the development of this royal gastronomy, making Lucknow a food lover’s paradise. The traditional food of Lucknow was highly patronized by the Mughals thus giving it a very royal touch. The royal chefs and cooks were trained to give that distinct royal touch and regal look to anything they cooked. A very high degree of flair and finesse was required to cook the elaborate Lucknow cuisine. Taken the entire world by its alluring aroma, Biryani is synonymous with Lucknow. Its ubiquitous influence has rendered several versions of it, respective to different regions of the country. The Galouti kebab, which translates to melt-in-the-mouth, was first made for a Nawab who did not want his deteriorating dental health to get in the way of eating meat. So he asked his royal chef to prepare a meat dish that could be eaten without chewing. And so, this delectable speciality was born! Qawami Seviyan a sweet which has its origin from the culinary rich heritage of Lucknow – a cuisine of royalty and the name Qawami is derived from Qawam meaning Sheera in Urdu and Sugar Syrup in English. Qawami Seviyan are prepared a bit dry and are laced with sweetness winning hearts with every bite of it. Offering paan is indicative of the warmth that Lucknowites extend to their guests and the gratitude that they express for the presence of the guest. Paan is not only a delicacy but has been a part of the Awadhi culture since the time it was included in the luxurious lifestyles of the Mughals and the Nawabs. Paan chewing is more than an activity. It is an important aspect of the lavish lifestyles of the kings of Awadh that continues to be an integral part of the social life of the city even today.

Basket Chaat

The 80 years old Azhar Paan shop located in Akbari Gate is one such place where you can get varied varieties of Paans such as Wajid Ali Shah ki Gilauri, Badami Paan, Begum Pasand, Pethe ka Paan. Basket Chaat also known as tokri chaat, this one is a popular dish in Lucknow. This lip-smacking chaat item is prepared by filling an edible crispy tokri with mashed potatoes, bhalle, boiled green gram dal, different types of chutneys and curd. It is finally garnished with pomegranate seeds, sev and masalas and served immediately. So, in case you find yourself craving a lip-smacking chaat item during city tours, basket chaat is what you should go for. One of the most famous shops in Lucknow has been serving this dessert for the last 50 years and making lucknowites exultant, by keeping their quality and taste the finest. The name of this shop is Prakash ki Kulfi which is quite desi like the dessert they serve. This shop is located in Aminabad the center of shopping. When you get tired shopping or having a dinner at Tunday Kababi then you can have this delicious dessert called Kulfi. This dessert is mainly served with ingredient called Faluda which looks like colorful noodles. Faluda is added to increase the taste of dessert and it makes sweetness of Kulfi neutral which is good for health.