Unveiling Lucknow's Culinary Delights: A Journey Through History

Over the years Lucknow has gained an unprecedented reputation for its exquisite cuisine and culinary hotspots. People find themselves travelling from different corners of the country and world just to get a taste of its glorious kebabs, aromatic biryanis and mouth-watering delicacies. 

It all began in 1772, when Nawab Wazir came to Lucknow, brandishing his intimidating sword, but more importantly, a legacy of food that would leave an indistinguishable mark on the city. The Mughals brought with them a plethora of new ideas and innovations, contributing to Lucknow’s rich history in many architectural, social and moral ways but arguably the most important thing that they brought with them was a cookbook, a metaphorical cookbook that forever changed the culinary trajectory of the city. 

And without further ado, here are 4 food joints in Lucknow that are worth crossing oceans for. 

Tunday Kababi

1. Tunday Kababi

Founded in 1905 by Haji Murad Ali, Tunday Kababi is a culinary heaven hidden away in the streets of Lucknow. Characterised by galouti kababs so flavourful they will transport you right back to the 18th century. In classic Awadhi fashion, the story of Tunday Kababi began in a Nawab’s courtroom. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula- Nawab of Awadh in the 18th century- much like most of Lucknow’s population, had a fervent love for kababs but having lost his teeth due to old age, he found it incredibly difficult to eat them. To resolve this issue he devised a competition offering royal patronage to the chef who would make the softest kababs. Haji Murad Ali, nicknamed “Tunday” due to his disability, won the contest and thus originated the world-famous Galouti Kabab. 

Tunday Kababi is not just any kabab joint, it is an emotion. It is the love that goes into every single kabab meticulously crafted with the utmost commitment and care and it is this love that led Tunday to be ranked at #12 on Taste Atlas’ list of the World's Most Legendary Restaurants and #1 in every Lucknowite’s heart. 

Raheem's Kulcha Nihari

2. Raheem’s Kulcha Nihari

Located in the heart of Chowk, Raheem’s Kulcha-Nihari is a must-visit for everyone hoping to delve into Lucknow’s classic Mughlai cuisine. Founded by Haji Abdul Raheem in 1890, the eatery’s legacy is carried forward by Haji Zubair & Sons. Although traditionally a breakfast delicacy, Raheem’s serves Kulcha-Nihari throughout the day and not a second goes by where they aren’t paraded by foodies waiting to get a bite of their fall-off-the-bone meat and soft, fluffy bread. Eating at Raheem’s is an experience of its own, there is nothing like being surrounded by all of Lucknow’s glorious history wafting in an aroma of freshly ground spices and tantalising stew and having a steaming hot plate of hand-kneaded kulchas and a decadent nihari. A must-visit for sure. 

Idrees Biryani

3. Idrees Biryani

There is something entirely nostalgic about visiting Idrees. I’m sure everyone’s had biryani at one time or the other in their lives but nothing in the world will ever be able to compete with Lucknow’s biryani and Idrees stands as a solid testament to that very sentence. Idrees originated with a humble beginning in 1968 by Mohammad Idrees and slowly became the city’s most relished hub for a good, steaming plate of biryani. Every grain of rice is seasoned to perfection, eating Idrees’ biryani is like having an explosion of flavours in your mouth cooled by a tangy raita and sensitised by the most tender meat. Although its raggedy appearance will not disclose it Idrees has garnered admirers from all across the globe that cross oceans just for one taste of this divine biryani. 

Kareem's

4. Kareem’s Kabab

Kareem’s is a hidden gem tucked away into the buzzing streets of Old Lucknow. Known for its famous kabab burger, Kareem’s secret to mouth-watering kababs is a mix of more than twenty spices that amalgamate and pave the way for kababs that will leave you wanting more and more. 

If you have made it to the end of this article, and even for a second, it made you want to grab the nearest cab, train or flight and die happily surrounded by the food centre of the world, then my job here is complete. 

A city like no other, Lucknow will always remain unbeatable when it comes to having food with a history almost as rich as its flavours and it is this distinction that has led the city to be nominated as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, just another acclaim on the wall further certifying that Lucknow is, and always will be, a food paradise.