Of Ganj, Kababs and Nawabs... Review on Lucknow

The following is an overview of Lucknow’s legendary eating points.

So, you have landed up in Lucknow! And ready to have an “eat-out-eat-all” day?

Wherever you stay, kindly land at main Hazratganj square(fondly called the CCD wala chauraha).

Well to begin your day with the best sip of tea should be a good idea! Slip in to the Indian Coffee House. The coffee here is a treat, while the tea will drive you nostalgic. If you arrived a few years earlier, the classy interiors would have aptly represented Avadhi ishtyle. However, not any more. Relax and get vitalized for the extravaganza to follow.

Walk on the M.G. Road(that’s the road that devised the term ‘Ganjing’, !) to Lalbagh and stop at Sharma’s Tea Stall. Breakfast time! Butter-bun, samosas which are round(yes round), elaichi chai waiting for you! It’s all fabulous which you can conclude safely looking at the footfalls! I bet that you’ll love it here.

Take a rickshaw to Aminabad, Lucknow’s road side mall and the bargainer’s paradise! Heard of Tunday? Yes, we are in sniffing distance! Have the celebrated kababs with the green chutney. Awesome, isn’t it?

Do try Prakash Kulfi House if you've got a sweet tooth! It’s like world famous in Lucknow! Have one half.

Now dedicate time shopping for chikan clothing and paraphernalia of a zillion sorts. Bargain to your heart’s content.

An auto to the Bhool Bhulaiya. Hire a guide. Don’t miss the Bouli(wiki it!). Take an Ikka/Tonga ride(Ah! I know you were waiting for this) to Chowk. Try the Makkhan there and if you're into it, the original Tunday that serves other meats is around as well.

Hey vegetarian, don’t panic yet! Just walk to Shree Kachauri & Lassi Corner and you are at yet another Lucknow classic.

The sun should have started setting by now. Let’s get back to Ganjing. Isn’t it a view by now? Yeah! Go Ganjing.

Stop at Love Lanefor the 6 Flavour Paani Batasha, then cross the road to reach Royal Café. OneBasket Chaat please. Oh does the crowd startle you? Well, Royal Café is Lucknow’s oldest and most loved family restaurant. By the time you finish the basket(and relish the chirpiness of the visiting families), you’ll be on the fan list.

Did I tell you about the Dahi Bade At GPO? Gosh! Dare not miss it!

Dinner anyone? For that, non-veggies head to Tulsi Cinema's Dastarkhwan outlet. By the time you finish it the place will be swarming with people around you ordering Chicken Biryani and Chicken Masala with Paratha. Yes it is that good. Taste it.

Vegetarians should go with the Veg Kabab and Paratha at Sapru Marg or near Nawal Kishore Marg.

Have any space? Sip on Chhedi Lal’s Cold Coffee with ice-cream, or opt for another brand of Kulfi at Moti Mahal.

Time to pack up! But hey, while you cross the CCD chauraha getting back home, pick a gillauri paan from next to the Hanuman Temple.

By the time this taste gets assimilated into you, you may have planned to make a yet another trip to Lucknow very, very soon!