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When UNESCO officially declared Lucknow a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’, it wasn’t just an award — it was a validation of centuries of culinary artistry that has simmered, smoked, and spiced its way through royal kitchens, bylanes, and bustling markets. From the delicate aroma of saffron-infused biryanis to the irresistible crunch of a tokri chaat, Lucknow’s food is not just eaten — it’s experienced. As the City of Nawabs finally joins the league of global gastronomic destinations, here is a delicious tour of seven must-visit eateries that perfectly capture the soul of Lucknow's new UNESCO title-both vegetarian and non-vegetarian: 1. Tunday Kababi, Aminabad — For the Legendary Galouti Kebab If there's one dish that defines Lucknow's food esteem, it's the Galouti Kebab - tender, melt-in-the-mouth, and spiced with more than 160 ingredients; yes, you read it right. Founded by Haji Murad Ali- more affectionately known as Tunday Kababi-this legendary eatery has survived since 1905. Legend goes that he invented it for a toothless Nawab who wanted to enjoy kebabs without biting into them. Don't Miss: Galouti Kebab with Ulte Tawa Paratha. Did You Know? "Tunday" means 'one-armed' — Haji Murad Ali lost an arm in his youth but went on to become one of India's most celebrated kebab-makers. 2. Royal Café, Hazratganj — For the Famous Basket Chaat Lucknow may be renowned for its kebabs, but its chaat is equally royal. This storied Royal Café, conveniently placed within Hazratganj's colonial heart, does the iconic Basket or Tokri Chaat: a crispy edible bowl stuffed with tangy chutneys, diced potatoes, chickpeas, curd, and a touch of spice. Fun fact: The restaurant's Tokri Chaat has even travelled abroad; it was showcased at Indian food festivals held in London and Dubai! Must Try: Basket Chaat, Dahi Puri and Aloo Tikki Chaat. 3. Idris Biryani, Chowk — For Authentic Awadhi Biryani Where Hyderabad may boast its fiery biryani, Lucknow's Awadhi version is subtle, fragrant, and slow-cooked to perfection. Idris Biryani, tucked into a narrow lane in Chowk, serves what many call the city's best biryani. The mutton biryani here, prepared in the traditional dum pukht style, is a nice blend of aromatic rice, tender meat, and spices so delicate that they whisper instead of shouting. Did You Know? Awadhi Biryani originated to be made first for the Nawabs of Awadh, who, unlike the Mughlai, preferred more lighter and aromatic dishes. 4. Naushijaan, Hazratganj — For the Royal Dining Experience Naushijaan is your Nawabi palace if you want to eat like a nawab. With Kakori Kebab, Seekh Kebab, and Shahi Tukda amongst its fare, this restaurant celebrates Lucknow’s royal culinary lineage. The ambiance is great-elegant yet unpretentious-ideal for those willing to comfortably relish the true flavors of Awadhi cuisine. Must Try: Kakori Kebab-made from a 200-year-old royal recipe—Mutton Korma, and Sheermal. It is a little-known fact that Kakori Kebab was actually concocted in the late 19th century in Kakori, a small town near Lucknow, as part of a Nawab's extravagant feast. 5. Sharma Ji Ki Chai, Lalbagh - For the City’s Morning Ritual However, the food experiences in Lucknow are not all about grandeur, but some are about nostalgia. Sharma Ji Ki Chai is the place where Lucknow mornings actually begin. Here, locals sip on kulhad chai over bun-maska, debate cricket or politics under century-old trees. The chai is strong, milky, and has just the right spice-a treat as much to flavour as community. Did You Know? Sharma Ji’s chai stall has been serving since the pre-Independence era and remains a local institution. 6. Dastarkhwan, Lalbagh — For Hearty Non-Vegetarian Feasts If one is thinking of feasting like a true Lucknawi, then the place to head for is Dastarkhwan. Literally meaning "a place where food is spread," Dastarkhwan serves traditional dishes in extremely large portions-from Mutton Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken to most amazingly done Paneer Pasanda for vegetarians. The vibe is no-frills, but the flavors are fit for kings. Each bite here seems like a talk between Mughal kitchens and modern taste buds. Must Try: Mutton Biryani, Chicken Masala, and Roomali Roti. 7. Green Restaurant, Gomti Nagar — For Contemporary Vegetarian Awadhi Cuisine For those who wanted more green on their plate, Green Restaurant gives a fresh twist to vegetarian Awadhi dishes: Dum Aloo Lakhnawi, Paneer Musallam, Kesar Phirni - all cooked with heritage recipes and a tinge of modern way of plating. It’s a reminder that the food culture of Lucknow is as inclusive as it is indulgent. Fun fact: Lucknow's royal kitchens would always employ vegetarian chefs called rajoras, who cooked only for the Brahmin visitors to the Nawabs' courts. Lucknow: Where Every Bite is a Story From the aromatic biryanis of Chowk to the chaat counters of Hazratganj, Lucknow's cuisine has been a timeless connect between cultures, communities, and generations. As UNESCO's Creative City of Gastronomy, Lucknow has not only won international recognition but has also reminded the world that food can be heritage and diplomacy. Every kebab grilled, every chaat tossed is a piece of living history, carrying forward the city's Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb in the most delectable manner possible. Did You Know? The word Awadhi is derived from Ayodhya, and the cuisine evolved in the royal courts of the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th century. Most of Lucknow’s kebab-makers are called Ustads, the secrets of spice blends passing down generations, never to be written — only whispered. In 2025, it joined the elite UNESCO club of 70 Creative Cities of Gastronomy, firmly placing India's heartland on the global food map. So, next time you’re in Lucknow, come hungry because here, history is not read; it is eaten.
