If you have ever come across some distinct paan lovers with a royal dialect in every word they say, you may call them true lakhnavis! From paan to pakwaan, traditions wrapped in the arms of modernisation, where biryani and pulao can co-exist happily… Lucknow is the heart of the Indian subcontinent. It contains the best of art and culture defined with the atmosphere of courtly refinement and it’s classical music.
When it’s your first visit to lucknow you are bound to get lost in the streets due to that fascinating smell from each corner calling you to taste the food. It’s always better to prep yourself before you actually go out and get a glimpse of that nawabi lifestyle where people will greet you with nothing less than ‘pehle aap’.
Gourmet Indulgence
To entirely enjoy the taste of the lavish food of lucknow you need at least a month’s visit. But there are some special delicacies which can’t be missed at all. The best part is that the truest culture is revealed in the homes and streets of lucknow. Starting with breakfast, the places involved are the old city chowk for its makkhan malai, Akbari gate for Rahim’s kulcha, Golewaza entrance for a sweet lassi and the Novelty Cinema Crossing for a classic chai and samosa treat. For the ultimate gastronomic lunch, allow yourself to visit the famous ‘Sham-e-Awadh’, ready to offer you an 18 layered parantha! There are endless varieties such as kormas, zardas and lots of kebabs to choose from.
A Walk to Remember
When you want the food to be digested after the long list of tastings, you might want to check out the city’s beauty under the glaring sunlight. These older parts of the city are filled with breathtaking monuments like the Roomi Darwaza, Baradari, The Residency etc. If at all you want to know why the city was once called ‘Paris of the East’ and ‘Babylon of India’ you should visit the exquisite mosque ‘Bara Imambara’ holding the infamous Bhulbhulaiya maze, the Dilkusha Garden and the opulent palaces of the kings of Oudh.
Shopping Spree
Granted that the most inspiring aspect is the kebabs but Lucknow is not just food. The ‘chikan kadhai’ and ‘jaali work’ dupattas a lakhnavi owns, can not be claimed by anyone else without buying them from the place itself! This the gift of the Awadh rulers to this city. For your family and friends back in the hometown you should get some amazing food items which will make lucknow memorable. The list involves spiced chilli pickles, chutneys, pure silver sheets for garnishing, delicate ladoos and a lot of pictures!!
When The Day Comes to an End
Finally when the day comes to an end you will be left with the most important indulgence – the dessert, because dessert goes to the heart not to the stomach. A not so expensive treat which will invoke your inner lakhnavi spirit and grace – the paan. The vendors are especially excited about tourists and make them customised paan adding whatever is asked for. And they are extremely proud of that!
For Fine Dining
If you are in the town at a special occasion and celebration is on your mind then the one-stop destination is Crazy Balls, Lucknow’s most famous restaurant. Nothing can say ‘urban Lucknow’ better than this place. It has every facility from parking to partying. The food menu includes lavish cuisines; and the desserts such as yogurt cheesecake, paan shots and rabri bharwa gulab jamun are to die for! Not to forget, mocktails and cocktails are also available to retain your freshness.
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