Best Food In Kanpur: Exploring Kanpur’s Culinary Tapestry

A picture of a salad dressing with numerous fruits and vegetables served in a decorative manner

Kanpur is one of India’s largest industrial cities and is located on the banks of the Ganges River. This city has a rich history and you must check out the best food in Kanpur. The culinary scene in this city is praiseworthy. You get a great blend of high-end restaurants and vibrant street food. This vibrant mix of traditional North Indian flavours and street food culture will leave you amazed. You must visit with your family and friends for a great time in the city. This key urban centre in northern India is a great culinary delight to enjoy.

Top 10 Best Food In Kanpur

It is time to start planning for a great visit by taking the first step as you explore the Best food in Kanpur.

1. Thaggu Ke Laddu

A picture of a plate full of Laddus, a traditional Indian spherical sweet made with flour and fat

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A popular sweet shop in Kanpur, Khoya Laddu is a unique sweet dish you must try from this place. These laddus have dry fruits in great quantity. This shop was started decades back and has a unique tagline “Aisa koi saga nahi jisko humne thaga nahi”. This shop is known for its fun marketing because of this tagline. There are other varieties of sweets that you can try from this place. It is a great attraction for locals and tourists.

Address: 113/144 Swaroop Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002
Cost: ₹300 to ₹500 per kg

2. Badnaam Kulfi

A picture of a famous dessert made with milk and dry fruits served at a restaurant in Kanpur

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This is a popular dessert which has a rich and creamy texture. This Indian frozen dessert has thickened milk and nuts as its main components. The flavour of cardamom is loved by one and all. Visitors reach from all over India to try this delicacy. Sold with Thaggu ke Laddu, Known for its catchy name, Badnaam Kulfi refers to an infamous dessert and is a playful twist to the name. This is a way to end a meal by satisfying your sweet cravings and lifting your mood.

Address: 113/144 Swaroop Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002
Cost: ₹30 to ₹50 per serving

3. Baba Biryani

A picture of Biryani, one of the best food in Kanpur, served with salad and a yoghurt dip

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If you are a biryani lover and visiting Kanpur, you must try Baba Biryani. The aromatic and flavorful preparation with basmati rice as the main ingredient, this biryani will satisfy your cravings for a good spicy meal. It has chicken or mutton, making it a great treat for meat lovers. Cooked in traditional Indian spices, this is a place that you must visit with your friends. This place has a great reputation in the city and this place has the potential of turning into one of your favorites in Kanpur city.

Address: 111/26, Ashok Nagar, Near Fazalganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208012
Cost: ₹150 to ₹300

4. Chaat

A picture of one of the best street food in Kanpur, served in pottered glasses

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A popular Indian street food, Chaat is a great option to try in Kanpur city. It is prepared with crispy fried puris, chickpeas, and boiled potatoes. It has north Indian origin and is served with sweet and tangy chutneys. You can try pani puri, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Papdi Chaat, Dahi Puri, Bhel Puri. The term “chaat” refers to “to lick” or “to taste. This street food has irresistible appeal and you can try it with your friends and family. The bold flavours and delicious ingredients make it an amazing food to try.

Address: Local stalls near Swaroop Nagar
Cost: ₹30 to ₹80 depending on the type and location

5. Makhan Malai

A picture of one of the best foods in Kanpur, Makhan Malai, served on a plate at a restaurant

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Known as a popular winter dessert, this dish is made by churning milk cream. The resultant is known as malai and is combined with saffron, sugar, and a bit of cardamom. Prepared overnight with an interesting frothy texture, this dessert is very popular in the city. It is mouth-melting and is prepared as a winter delicacy. You will find it at a number of street sellers and is a popular dessert known by the name of Nimish also.

Address: Nai Sadak, Chowk, and parts of Swaroop Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Cost: ₹30 to ₹60

6. Samosa

A picture of a plate decorated with Samosas cut in half, served with a tangy tamarind dip

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A flavorful snack, samosa is popular across the country as a tea-time snack. It is crispy in texture and is golden brown in colour. Mostly fried, it is stuffed with potatoes, peas, and other ingredients such as lentils or meat. Mostly in triangle shape, it is usually served with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney. It is a quick-bite snack and delicious in taste. These are affordable and are loved by all in Kanpur city.

Address: Bansal Samosa, Near Dainik Jagran Office, Kaka Deo, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208025.
Cost: ₹10 to ₹30

7. Tandoori Chicken

A picture of steaming hot Tandoori and Afghani chicken served in a hotel in Kanpur

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A popular dish of North Indian origin, it is one of the favourite dishes of chicken lovers. The pieces of chicken are marinated and cooked in a conventional clay oven. This oven is popularly called tandoor, from where the dish got its name. The vibrant red colour of the dish is appealing to the eyes. Served to you with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges, it has a rich flavour that you cannot miss at all. This dish has a smoky aroma and is juicy in texture.

Address: Little Chef, 15/198 Civil Lines, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208001
Cost: ₹150 to ₹200 per plate

8. Kachori Sabzi

A picture of a delicious north Indian dish made with deep-fried flour, served with potato curry

Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons

This is a popular North Indian dish loved by one and all in the city of Kanpur. The deep-fried kachoris are filled with a mixture of lentils or potatoes. It is served with a spicy vegetable curry. These are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Street vendors and local eateries are offering this dish. Moreover, these stuffed crispy pastries are filled with black gram, Mumal, and onions. It is served in bowls made up of dried leaves. You must try this delicious and satisfying meal which is loved by many.

Address: Pandit Ramnarayan Tiwari Kachori Bhandar, 8/144 Arya Nagar, Near Swaroop Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Cost: ₹80 to ₹120 per plate

9. Kulcha Nihari

A picture of a delicious kulcha with butter on top, served alongside nihari and salad

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This is a delightful dish that comes with fluffy kulchas and slow-cooked stew, Nihari. It is believed to have originated from the kitchen of the Mughals. Common spices are used like cumin, ginger, garlic, and fennel making it even more delicious. It is usually garnished with coriander leaves and gives a fresh touch. The texture is thick and luscious. You must try this dish as the kulchas are cooked in Tandoor or a tawa and brushed with ghee or butter. It is served hot and fresh with a side of pickles and onion.

Address: Kulcha Nihari, 84/79 Anwarganj, Near GolaGhat, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208003.
Cost: from ₹100 to ₹150 per plate

10. Pav Bhaji

A picture of a street vendor in Kanpur preparing the delicious Pav Bhaji on his stall

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It is a popular street food in the entire India, especially in the city of Kanpur. This dish has soft, fluffy pav. These are toasted on a tawa till they turn golden and crispy. The Bhaji is made up of potatoes in tomatoes along with peas and cauliflower. The Bhaji is cooked in a mix of spices like red chilli powder, cumin, coriander and turmeric. This dish is topped with butter in great quantity which adds richness to it. It is served with lemons, rice and a side of green Chutney or pickles.

Address: Murli’s Pav Bhaji, 122/84 Sarojini Nagar, Opposite Somdutt Plaza, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208012.
Cost: ₹80 to ₹150

Kanpur is a significant city in terms of the culinary landscape of Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as the Manchester of the East for its textile and leather industries. The city has industrial, historical and cultural experiences to offer to the visitors. Now that you have checked out the best food in Kanpur, you can schedule a trip with TripXL. This trip promises you the best food in the city which you can enjoy with your friends and family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kanpur is popular for its street food, with dishes like Thaggu Ke Laddu, a sweet delicacy, and Badnaam Kulfi, a popular frozen dessert. For savoury items, Chaat and Biryani at Baba Biryani are favourites. The city also offers great tandoori cuisine at places like Little Chef.
In Kanpur, you must try Baba Biryani for its flavorful biryani and other dishes. Little Chef is popular for multi-cuisine offerings, especially tandoori items. For sweets and desserts, Thaggu Ke Laddu is a must-visit.
For fine dining in Kanpur, you can visit Cawnpore 1857 for its luxurious ambience and multi-cuisine menu. Waterside at The Landmark Hotel offers a luxurious dining experience with global dishes. Another top choice is Palate Restaurant, known for its elegant decor and gourmet cuisine.
Yes, street food in Kanpur is very affordable, offering a variety of snacks and meals at low prices. Popular items like chaat, samosas, and kulfi are available for really less amount. It’s a great way to enjoy delicious local flavours on a budget.
Kanpur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can reach Kanpur via train through Kanpur Central Railway Station, one of India’s busiest junctions. The nearest airport is Kanpur Airport, with regular flights from major cities.

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