Uttar Pradesh is a culinary treasure trove, offering various delectable dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. The state's diverse food culture reflects its rich history and cultural heritage. From the aromatic flavours of Lucknow to the spicy street food of Varanasi, here's a glimpse into the popular dishes and cuisine of Uttar Pradesh.
Popular Cuisine in Uttar Pradesh
- Lucknowi Cuisine: Known for its royal lineage, Lucknow offers a regal culinary experience with its Awadhi cuisine. Awadh was once the seat of the Nawabs, and their love for gastronomy has left an indelible mark on the city's food culture. The cuisine is characterised by its delicate flavours, fragrant spices, and slow-cooking techniques.
- Bhojpuri Cuisine: The eastern part of Uttar Pradesh is renowned for its Bhojpuri cuisine. The cuisine is rustic and hearty, featuring flavoursome dishes made with locally available ingredients.
- Banarasi Cuisine: Varanasi, also known as Banaras, is famous for its spiritual significance and delectable street food. When exploring the ghats of Varanasi, make sure to try the famous Banarasi Chaat.
Popular Dishes in Uttar Pradesh
- Tunday Kababi: A trip to Lucknow is incomplete without savouring the iconic Tunday Kababs. These succulent kebabs are made from finely minced meat, blended with fragrant spices, and cooked to perfection.
- Petha: Agra is not only famous for the Taj Mahal but also for its sweet delicacy called Petha. Made from ash gourd, this translucent candy comes in various flavours like plain, kesar (saffron) and paan (betel leaf).
- Bedmi Poori and Aloo Sabzi: Kickstart your day in Mathura with a sumptuous breakfast of Bedmi Poori and Aloo Sabzi. Bedmi Poori is a deep-fried bread made with wheat flour and ground urad dal (black gram), served with spicy and tangy potato curry.
- Baati Chokha: Baati Chokha is a traditional dish from the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. Baatis are hard wheat-based bread balls traditionally baked over charcoal or cow dung cakes. They are served with chokha, a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and other vegetables.
- Balushahi: Kanpur is famous for its mouthwatering Balushahi - a flaky, deep-fried pastry made from flour, ghee, and yoghurt. These sweet delights are dipped in sugar syrup to achieve their signature sweetness.