expert guide on food and monument pairing in lucknow

The Land of Nawabs, witness of royal British era and captial of Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow is a total travellers paradise! From kebabs to biryanis to ancient monuments and modern structures, wander around in the city for a day or two and you’ll realise that the taste, the smell and the air of the city screams magic! Team Salt and Sandals presents to you an expert guide on Food and Monument pairing in Lucknow which is surely going to help you to get best of the city during your next trip to the city of nawabs.

Food and Monument pairing in lucknow

Aminabad

Aminabad is the most famous and oldest part of Lucknow. There is always a rush here. You can spot a bouquet of tourists and locals in Aminabad. You can buy cloths, shoes, cosmetics, hardware, books, bags, wedding accessories etc from this market. On Thursday the main market is closed but there is footpath market from where you can buy cheap items. Aminabad is known for Chota Imambara, a historical monument and lip smacking Tundey Kebabs. Located 4 kms from Aminabad, Chota Imambara also known as Hussianabad Imambara was built as an imambara or a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838. It was to serve as his own mausoleum and his mother, who is buried beside him. After admiring the beauty of Chota Imambara one has to try the legendary Kebab parantha at Tundey Kebabi in Aminabad. It is known as Tundey Kebab because the shop owner Late Haji Murad Ali prepared kebab using one hand. The legendary kebab is created after using a mixture made of more than 150 spices.

Street Food of Lucknow

Chowk

To purchase good quality Chikan Garment, then Chowk is the ultimate place for you.
Sarrafa Bazar of Lucknow is situated in Chowk. In this market you will find plenty of Jewellery Shops. In this Bazar you will find almost anything related to Sarrafa. 2kms from Chowk Bus stand is Lucknow Zoo. It was established in the year 1921 to commemorate the visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales to Lucknow.
If you are a food loving person then don’t miss going Chowk, here you will find the best quality of non-veg food available in Lucknow. For the real flavor of Dum Biryani I have to go to a small shop in the Chowk area–Idris Dhaba. Forget the class for sometime and indulge yourself in the soft aroma of Dum Biryani as it is cooked over low fire in a sealed, heavy-bottomed pan. Slow cooking ensures that the meat retains all its natural aroma and taste indulges with the richness of the flavours of its juices.

Gomti Nagar

Gomti Nagar is popular for Ambedkar Memorial Park, a public park and memorial in Gomti Nagar. The park honors the lives and memories of Jyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, Birsa Munda, Shahuji Maharaj, Bhimrao Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and all those who’ve devoted their life for humanity, equality and social justice. Apart from Ambedkar Memorial Park, Gomti nagar is also famous for it’s Handi Chicken. As the name suggests, the chicken here is cooked in an earthen pot (over coal in a one-meter-deep hole). The original Kalika Hut is in Azamgarh, but Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar serve the same taste, with a lovely aroma. Its combination with Lucknow’s best sheermals is just mind-blowing.

Hazratganj

Bara Imambara or Bhool Bhulaiya is a must visit. It was built by 4th Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-Ud-Dowhala and the construction work was taken up in the year 1784. It took 14 years to complete. It was designed by the architect Hafiz Kifayat ullah, Shahjahanabadi, a prominent architect of that time. Visiting Imambara is a pleasing and unique experience. The famous Bhool Bhulaiya (Labyrinth) of Lucknow is constructed on its upper floor. After a stroll in Bara Imambara one must sip the soothing gulabi chai at the Nakhas market. During Eid, Gulabi Chai is served here with hot imarti (similar to jalebi) or andarsey. Flavoured with saffron, elaichi and kewra, its taste is nothing like the ‘typical chai’ you’ve had all your life.