Irrespective of anything Uttar Pradesh has to offer, its food has the power to tantalize your taste buds. Nearly from chaat, samosa, and kachoris to ras malai, kababs, and biryani, each of these is fulfilling and loved by everyone.
The chefs of Uttar Pradesh normally cook food in earthen pots for as long as three days. It may be an old method of cooking but makes dishes delicious and mouthwatering.
Each of the states in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its unique dishes. The sheer diversity in Uttar Pradesh is reflected in the flood zones.
List of Most Popular Local Dishes of Lucknow:
The Royal Nawabs of Lucknow adopted the style of cooking called “Dum Pukht” where food is cooked under low flame for several hours for the spices to mix properly. Dishes in Lucknow are full of spices and taste hard to resist. Many people flock to restaurants for their kebabs and kulchas. Some of the best ones are as under:
1. Galawati Kebab
Galawati Kebabs are the cornerstones of Awadhi cuisine which melt in the mouth as soon as you taste it. It is minced meat packed with lots of spices.
The kebabs are so soft they melt in your mouth making you want more. Nawabs can be seen feasting on these kebabs on any special occasion.
2. Tunday Kebabs
Tunday Kebabs in Lucknow are famous for their savory taste which melts in the mouth easily. These kebabs are made from lamb or buffalo meat with more than 100 spices adding to the uniqueness of flavors.
The origin of these kebabs’ dates back to the 17th century. Chef Hajid Murad Ali brought in the concept of Tunday Kebabs in Lucknow and from then on it has become a popular dish.
3. Lucknowi Biryani
A nationwide favorite dish, Lucknowi Biryani is made from saffron, curd, cashew nuts paste, star anise, and mace powder.
Awadhi cuisine is simply incomplete without this dish where mutton or chicken is cooked on a low or medium flame for a long time. Baba’s in Swaroop Nagar is often crowded with people as it is the best Biryani shop in Lucknow.
4. Nargisi Kofta
Nargisi Kofta is mutton balls gravy in which the eggs are stuffed with mutton keema and then they are deep-fried. To add to the uniqueness of the dish, tomato puree, dry fruit paste, and caramelized onions add to the charm of the dish.
It is a common dish made during the Ramzan month. It is a must-try dish if you have never tasted Nargisi Kofta before.
5. Makhan Malai
How can you miss out on desserts on your trip to Lucknow? It is generally a cool confection that is a light-set cream topped with pistachios and saffron. It is a classic Awadhi cuisine enjoyed during winter.
6. Kulcha Nihari
These are soft and fluffy parathas served alongside rich meat gravy made with chicken or mutton. In Lucknow, Rahim is serving Kulcha Nihari for about 120 years now. Kulcha Nihari is a proper Lucknowi dish known to each and every one.
7. Kulfi Falooda
It is a common summertime dish that brings back fond memories of childhood. These foods are prepared using vermicelli noodles, rose syrup, passion fruit seeds, and dry ice cream or kulfis. Prakash ki Kulfi is the Chandni Chowk of Lucknow and they are best known for their Kulfi Faloodas.
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Kanpur Famous Local Dishes
Kanpur is one such state in India which is known for its street food delicacies. The streets of Kanpur are filled with street vendors selling different types of street foods. Kebabs, Paneer Pasanda, and other local delicacies are some options. Some of the things worth tasting are listed as under:
#1. Boti Kebab
Boti Kebab is a favorite Kebab dish in Kanpur. These kebabs are made from gram flour, yogurt, and mutton. The kebabs melt in your mouth as soon as you take it in your mouth. This dish does not compromise on the flavors of the dish at all.
#2. Kakori Kebab
Kakori is a mutton kebab that melts in your mouth as they are so soft and delicate. These kebabs are made from black pepper, cardamom seeds, raw papaya, and bhuna chana which are mixed into the kebabs. The kebabs are then marinated with ghee and butter with some fresh lime drizzled on top. It is served with green chutney.
Read: 20 Best Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh
Rampur Famous Local Foods
Rampur is another famous city in Uttar Pradesh known for its delicious dishes. Some of these are listed as under:
(1) Paneer Pasanda
Paneer Pasanda is not an ordinary dish and is made with lots of spices and flavors. It is served across so many states in India. The paneer is cut into cubes and made in rich gravy.
(2) Shabdeg
Shabdeg is a stew made from mutton or chicken and cooked with potatoes and turnips. It is a wholesome meal and won’t make you hungry for a long time.
Local Foods Eastern Uttar Pradesh
1. Jalebi
Jalebis are crispy deep-fried sweet which is made from ghee, sugar syrup, and maida. All of the ingredients are put into a piping bag and put in a vessel with hot bubbling oil. Jalebis are best with cool rabri.
2. Lassi
Another Varanasi favorite is the cool lassi served during summer. Made with milk, Lassi is served in earthen vessels. The Blue Lassi is widely known in Varanasi and includes dry fruits, rabri, and fruits. Read Also: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Varanasi Once in Your Lifetime
3. Banarasi Paan
You cannot end your Uttar Pradesh trip without the taste of Banarasi Paan. It comes in various flavors and colors. It is wrapped with gulkand, tutti fruit, and cherries in betel nut leaf. It is coated with silver leaf and served cold. It is a delight after a hearty meal.
These are some of the best dishes in Uttar Pradesh. Each one has its own specialty. Make sure you get hold of all these dishes.
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