Lucknow Food Tour
Tunday Kebab, Lucknowi Biryani, Galawati Kebab, Basket Chaat, and winter Makkhan Malai. Taste the Nawabi city through the eyes of locals who have eaten here all their lives.
Lucknow Food Tour — The Kebab Capital of India
Lucknow is universally recognized as the kebab capital of India and the cradle of Awadhi cuisine — a culinary tradition refined over centuries in the royal courts of the Nawabs. From the legendary Tunday Kebab (created with 160 spices for a toothless Nawab) to the delicate Galawati Kebab that literally dissolves on your tongue, Lucknow's food heritage is unmatched in sophistication and flavour.
Our Lucknow food tour by car takes you deep into the narrow lanes of Chowk — the old city's culinary epicenter — where Tunday Kababi has been serving since 1905, Raheem's has been cooking Nihari since 1890, and Idris Biryani perfects the Lucknowi pukki method daily. From there, we drive to Aminabad for Prakash Kulfi and chaat, then to Hazratganj for the famous Basket Chaat at Royal Cafe.
The best time for a Lucknow food tour is during winter (November to February) when the magical Makkhan Malai — whisked milk foam flavoured with saffron — appears on morning street carts. But Lucknow's food is extraordinary year-round. Whether you crave smoky kebabs, fragrant biryani, or refined vegetarian chaat, the City of Nawabs delivers an unforgettable culinary experience.
Famous Foods of Lucknow
A culinary journey through Lucknow
Tunday Kebab
MUST TRYLucknow's most legendary dish. Melt-in-your-mouth minced meat kebabs made with 160 spices — a recipe perfected since 1905 by Haji Murad Ali (who had one hand, hence 'Tunday'). The original Chowk shop is a pilgrimage for food lovers.
Lucknowi Biryani
MUST TRYUnlike Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknowi biryani uses the 'pukki' method — rice and meat are cooked separately then layered and slow-steamed. Lighter, more fragrant, and subtly spiced. Idris Biryani in Chowk serves the definitive version.
Galawati Kebab
MUST TRYSofter than Tunday Kebab — so tender it literally melts (galawat means 'melt in the mouth'). Created for a toothless Nawab of Lucknow. Made with raw papaya as tenderizer and over 100 spices. Served on roomali roti.
Basket Chaat
MUST TRYLucknow's unique chaat served in an edible fried potato basket. Filled with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, yogurt, pomegranate, and crispy sev. Royal Cafe in Hazratganj is credited with inventing this iconic dish.
Makkhan Malai
A winter-only miracle. Airy milk foam whisked at dawn, flavoured with saffron and cardamom, topped with pistachios. Available November to February only, sold by morning street vendors. Disappears by 9 AM each day.
Sheermal & Nihari
Sheermal is saffron-laced baked bread, soft and slightly sweet. Paired with Nihari — overnight slow-cooked mutton stew. Traditional Lucknow Sunday breakfast. Best at Raheem's in Chowk, serving since 1890.
Prakash Kulfi
Lucknow's most famous kulfi (Indian ice cream). Thick, dense, and loaded with dry fruits. The Aminabad shop has been making kulfi the traditional way — in metal moulds set in ice and salt — since 1890.
Tokri Chaat & Golgappe
Lucknow's chaat scene is distinct — tangier and more refined than Delhi chaat. Try tikki chaat, dahi vada, and golgappe with imli (tamarind) and jeera (cumin) water. Chowk and Aminabad have the best vendors.
Street Food Tour Itinerary
Follow this route for the ultimate Lucknow food crawl (our drivers know every stop)
Raheem's, Chowk
Nihari & Sheermal Breakfast
Start with the traditional Lucknow breakfast — slow-cooked Nihari with saffron Sheermal bread at Raheem's, a legendary establishment serving since 1890.
Tunday Kababi, Chowk
Tunday Kebab & Roomali Roti
The original Tunday Kababi — a Lucknow institution since 1905. Watch the kebabs being made in the open kitchen. The queue is worth every minute.
Chowk Market Walk
Makkhan Malai & Sweets
Walk through the bustling Chowk area. In winter, try Makkhan Malai from morning vendors. Year-round, sample Lucknowi sweets and namkeen from generations-old shops.
Idris Biryani, Chowk
Lucknowi Biryani
The definitive Lucknowi biryani experience. Idris has perfected the pukki biryani method where rice and meat are cooked separately then layered. The aroma alone is worth the visit.
Aminabad Market
Prakash Kulfi & Chaat
Cool down with Prakash's legendary kulfi — made the traditional way since 1890. Then explore Aminabad's chaat stalls for tikki and golgappe.
Royal Cafe, Hazratganj
Basket Chaat
Lucknow's iconic Basket Chaat at the restaurant that invented it. An edible potato basket filled with chaat magic. Also try their other Awadhi snacks.
Hazratganj Evening Walk
Kulfi Faluda & Pan
End with Kulfi Faluda from a Hazratganj vendor and a refined Lucknowi Paan. The evening atmosphere on this colonial-era boulevard is magical.
Full food tour with sedan cab: ₹1,500 (local Lucknow) or ₹7,000 (from Delhi round trip)
Best Restaurants in Lucknow
Tunday Kababi
Chowk (Old Lucknow)
The original since 1905. Tunday Kebab and Galawati Kebab that defined Lucknow's food identity. Small, bustling, and utterly legendary.
Idris Biryani
Chowk
The best Lucknowi biryani in the city. Fragrant, subtle, and perfectly layered. Their kebabs are also excellent. No-frills setting, extraordinary food.
Raheem's
Chowk
Since 1890. Famous for Nihari, Korma, and Sheermal. The oldest surviving restaurant in Lucknow's Chowk area. Heritage dining at its finest.
Royal Cafe
Hazratganj
Inventors of Basket Chaat. Also serves excellent Awadhi snacks, samosas, and shakes. Clean, comfortable, and always busy. Hazratganj landmark.
Prakash Kulfi
Aminabad
Lucknow's kulfi legend since 1890. Traditional metal-mould kulfi with dry fruits. Also try their Kulfi Faluda. Small shop, massive reputation.
Dastarkhwan
Multiple Locations
Modern Awadhi dining chain with excellent kebabs, biryani, and korma. Air-conditioned comfort with traditional flavours. Great for families.
Food Markets to Visit
Chowk (Old Lucknow)
The beating heart of Lucknow's food culture. Narrow lanes packed with kebab shops, biryani stalls, sweet vendors, and spice merchants. Tunday Kababi, Idris, and Raheem's are all here. Best explored on foot with a driver waiting nearby.
Kebabs, biryani, Nihari, traditional sweets
Aminabad
Lucknow's bustling shopping and food market. Home to Prakash Kulfi, excellent chaat vendors, and the second Tunday Kababi branch. Mix of street food and established shops. Great for an afternoon food walk.
Kulfi, chaat, kebabs, shopping
Hazratganj
Lucknow's colonial-era boulevard. Royal Cafe for Basket Chaat, modern restaurants, bakeries, and evening food stalls. More upscale than Chowk but equally food-rich. The evening promenade is a Lucknow tradition.
Basket Chaat, cafes, evening food walk
Nakhas Market Area
Traditional market near Chowk with excellent street food stalls. Less touristy, more local flavour. Great for authentic Lucknowi breakfast spots and afternoon snacks. Our drivers know the hidden gems here.
Local breakfast, street snacks, authentic food
Combine Food Tour with Sightseeing
Our recommended full-day recipe for the perfect Lucknow experience
Sedan cab for this full day: ₹1,500 (local Lucknow) or ₹7,000 (from Delhi round trip)
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Lucknow famous for?
Lucknow is the kebab capital of India, famous for Tunday Kebab (melt-in-your-mouth minced meat), Galawati Kebab, Lucknowi Biryani (more fragrant and lighter than Hyderabadi), Basket Chaat, Makkhan Malai (winter dessert), Sheermal (saffron bread), and Nihari.
Where can I find the best Tunday Kebab?
The original Tunday Kababi in Chowk (Old Lucknow) has been serving since 1905. The Aminabad branch is also authentic. Beware of fake Tunday shops — the original has a distinct smoky aroma and the kebabs literally dissolve on your tongue. Both beef and buffalo versions are available.
Is street food safe to eat in Lucknow?
Popular street food stalls in Chowk, Aminabad, and Hazratganj with high turnover are generally safe. Stick to busy stalls serving freshly cooked food. Our recommended spots are all well-established — many serving for 50-100+ years with loyal local followings.
Can I combine a food tour with Lucknow sightseeing?
Absolutely! Morning Bara Imambara visit, then Chowk food tour, Rumi Darwaza photo stop, lunch at Idris Biryani, British Residency visit, Hazratganj shopping, and evening Basket Chaat. Our drivers create the perfect food-heritage itinerary.
What is the best time for a Lucknow food tour?
Morning (8-10 AM) for Nihari and breakfast kebabs. Lunch (12-2 PM) for Biryani at Idris or Wahid. Evening (5-9 PM) for Chowk food walk, Basket Chaat, and kulfi. Winter (November-February) is best for Makkhan Malai and pleasant weather.
Are vegetarian options available in Lucknow?
Yes! Despite being a kebab city, Lucknow has excellent vegetarian food. Basket Chaat, Makkhan Malai, Sheermal bread, Royal Cafe (veg Awadhi), Prakash Kulfi, and many veg restaurants in Hazratganj. Lucknow's chaat scene is entirely vegetarian.
How much does a Lucknow food tour cost?
Street food budget: ₹200-500 per person for a full tour. Restaurant meals: ₹300-700 per person. Our food tour with cab: ₹1,500 (sedan) for half-day covering 5-6 stops. Full day with sightseeing: ₹2,000. We handle all transport between food spots.
What is Makkhan Malai?
Makkhan Malai (also called Nimish or Malaiyo) is a winter-only Lucknowi dessert. Light, airy milk foam flavoured with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios. Available only November to February, sold by roadside vendors in the morning. It literally melts on your tongue.
Book Your Lucknow Food Tour
Let our drivers take you to the best kebab shops and food spots. We know every lane in Chowk and every legendary stall.