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Lucknow, also known as the “City of Nawabs” is nothing short of a paradise for food lovers. From galouti kebabs and Lucknawi biryani to shahi tukda and chaat, the culinary scene in Lucknow is on a different level. There are tons of dishes to try with each of them bursting with flavour. What’s even better is that you don’t need to go to a high-end restaurant and spend a large sum to taste Lucknawi cuisine. There are plenty of places to visit in Lucknow for food that offers both quality and affordability.
Popular Places To Visit In Lucknow For Food
There are plenty of street food spots and restaurants in Lucknow. To get the true taste of authentic Lucknawi cuisine, try out the most popular places.
1. Aminabad
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As one of the oldest and busiest markets in Lucknow, Aminabad is a haven for food enthusiasts. Home to numerous eateries, here you will find authentic Awadhi dishes like galouti kebabs, nihari, biryani, and more. Since the market remains open from morning to night, you have plenty of time to explore the food scene out here. While you are in Aminabad, make sure to stop by Prakash Kulfi and taste their creamy kulfi topped with falooda. For the best experience, you should visit the market in the evening when all the shops and restaurants are open.
Location: Central Lucknow
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
Must Try: Kulfi, galouti kebab, kachori
2. Akbari Gate
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Tucked in the old city, Akbari Gate is a great place for those who want to experience the true flavours of Awadhi cuisine. Famous for its slow-cooked delicacies, here you will find fragrant biryanis and spicy curries. One of the must-visit eateries in Akbari Gate is Mubeen’s, which is famous for serving nihari. The best thing about visiting Akbari Gate is that it allows you to indulge in a more traditional and rustic dining experience. If you want to taste rich flavours and enjoy the historic charm of the city, you should head to Akbari Gate.
Location: Akbari Gate Chowk, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Must Try: Kachori, kebab, Awadhi snacks
3. Tunday Kababi
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If you are in the mood to taste famous food in Lucknow, you should make your way to Tunday Kebabi. Serving since 1905, Tunday Kebabi is a name that resonates with food enthusiasts perfectly. Ever since they started operations, the restaurant has been offering delicious cuisine to visitors. From galouti kebabs to seek kebabs, you will find different types of kebabs at the restaurant. While the original outlet is located in Aminabad, they also have newer outlets in other parts of the city. This makes it easier to reach the restaurant, regardless of your location.
Location: 168/6, Old Nazirabad Rd, Mohan Market, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018
Timings: 11 AM – 12:30 AM
Must Try: Galouti kebab, Tunday’s special paratha, seekh kebab
4. Chowk
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For the best street food in Lucknow, you should visit Chowk. A paradise for food lovers, here you can enjoy rich, authentic, and flavourful street food that is hard to find anywhere else in the city. Packed with legendary eateries, you can taste some of the best Awadhi dishes in Chowk. Talking about that, Tunday Kababi is an iconic eatery that has been serving delicious galouti kebabs for ages.
Location: 6 km northwest of the city
Timings: 11 AM -o 10:30 PM
Must Try: Kebabs, Nihari, Biryani, chaat, traditional sweets
5. Hazratganj
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Located in the heart of Lucknow, Hazratganj offers a mix of street food delights and upscale dining experiences. Whether you want a quick bite or a lavish meal, this area has something for everyone. While you are at Hazratganj, make sure to visit Royal Café and Oudhyana, two of the famous eateries in the area. However, if you are in the mood for something light, go to Sharma Tea Stall and try their kulhad chai. Compared to the daytime, the area draws a larger crowd in the evening. From traditional flavours to modern cafes, Hazratganj captures the essence of Lucknow’s food culture beautifully.
Location: Central Lucknow
Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Must Try: Chaat, matar tikki, pani puri
6. Mubeen’s
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Located in the Chowk area, Mubeen’s is one of the best places to eat kebabs in Lucknow. Both locals and travellers are drawn to the outlet for their smoky, sizzling kebabs that are made with juicy meat. Apart from that, Mubeen’s is also famous for dishes like sheermal, mutton nihari, and kulcha. Another must-try dish at Mubeen’s is mutton stew which is a slow-cooked dish with a thinner curry and mellow spices. For biryani lovers, the outlet has Awadhi biryani which is different from other biryanis you may have tasted before.
Location: Opposite Ek Minara Masjid, Akbari Gate, 334/37, Hakim Abdul Aziz Rd, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Must Try: Mughlai chicken, nalli nihari, kulcha
7. Idrees Biryani
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Based in Old Lucknow, Idrees Biryani is a must-visit for biryani lovers. From chicken biryani to mutton biryani, they have a wide range of biryani options to satisfy your taste buds. Unlike other eateries, Idrees use light, fragrant rice that is rich in flavour and taste. To further enhance the taste, the rice is accompanied by a side of thick gravy. To make the most of your experience, you should also try their mutton stew and nihari which are equally delicious as their biryani.
Location: Opposite Pata Nala, Jauhari Mohalla, Raja Bazar, Police Chowki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Timings: 12 PM – 3 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM
Must Try: Mutton biryani, mutton stew, nihari
8. Raheem’s Kulcha Nahari
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If you are a sucker for dishes like nihari and kulcha, there’s no other place better than Raheem’s. Located just a stone’s throw from Mubeen’s, you can easily explore both places together. The speciality of Raheem’s lies in their nihari, which is thicker and spicier than other restaurants. They add fresh ginger and chillies to add an extra punch of heat. Also, the mutton is incredibly tender, so you enjoy every bite off the bone. Other than nihari, you should also taste their chicken pasanda, which is considered one of the best in the city.
Location: Akbari Gate, Shahganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Timings: 8 AM – 11:55 PM
Must Try: Mutton nihari, chicken kebab, chicken pasanda
9. Royal Café (Hazratganj)
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When you are in Hazratganj, Lucknow, you must visit the famous eatery Royal Café. An iconic spot for food lovers, Royal Café is widely recognised for its basket chaat, a delicious mix of textures and flavours. Other than that, they also serve items like pav bhaji, aloo tikki chaat, pani ke batashe, and butter chicken which are a must-try for street food lovers. With a rich history spanning several decades, the Royal Café is an ideal place to eat for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Location: 51, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Sushanpura, Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Must Try: Basket chaat, pav bhaji, butter chicken
10. Oudhyana
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If you are looking to indulge in a meal that reflects the grandeur of Lucknow’s royal heritage, you should go to Oudhyana. Located in Gomti Nagar, Oudhyana is a fine dining restaurant that offers an upscale experience to its guests. With its delicious menu and high-end décor, Oudhyana creates a feast not just for your palate, but also for other senses. The restaurant is popular for its Awadhi cuisine which includes a range of items like kakori kebab, murgh Awadhi korma, shahi tukda, dum pukht biryani, and more.
Location: Taj Mahal Lucknow, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226010
Timings: 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM and 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Must Try: Kakori kebab, murgh Awadhi korma, dum pukht biryani
With so many places to visit in Lucknow for food, choosing just a few can be overwhelming. From Tunday Kababi to Idrees Biryani, every food spot in the city has something special to offer. Whether you are a fan of Mughlai cuisine or sweet treats, you will find a range of dishes to satisfy your cravings. If you are not sure where to start or need help exploring the food scene in the city, you have TripXL to guide you.
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