Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by Mughlai, Awadhi, and North Indian flavors. Here are the top 10 famous dishes you shouldn’t miss:
1. Tunday Kababi (Lucknow’s Iconic Minced Meat Kebab)
Origin: Lucknow
Tunday Kababs are one of the most famous dishes from Lucknow, made with finely minced meat and a secret blend of over 100 spices. This melt-in-the-mouth kebab was originally created for an aging Nawab who had difficulty chewing. The dish is slow-cooked on a griddle and is best enjoyed with parathas or rumali rotis.
Where to Try: Tunday Kababi in Lucknow
2. Peda (Sweet Delight from Mathura)
Origin: Mathura
Peda is a soft, fudge-like sweet made from khoya (reduced milk), sugar, and cardamom. It holds cultural and religious significance as an offering in temples, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan. The rich, caramelized texture makes it a favorite during festivals and special occasions.
Where to Try: Mathura’s street-side sweet shops
3. Galouti Kebab (The Nawabi Delicacy)
Origin: Lucknow
Galouti Kebabs were specially crafted for the Nawabs of Awadh who wanted a soft-textured meat dish. Made from finely ground mutton, papaya paste (as a tenderizer), and aromatic spices, these kebabs are pan-fried to perfection. They are often served with ulte tawa ka paratha.
Where to Try: Lucknow’s historic kebab joints
4. Bedai & Aloo Sabzi (Agra’s Favorite Breakfast)
Origin: Agra
Bedai, a crispy and puffy deep-fried bread, is paired with spicy potato curry (Aloo Sabzi). The dish is a staple breakfast in Agra, often served with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney.
Where to Try: Agra’s old city street vendors
5. Bhature & Chole (North India’s Comfort Food)
Origin: Punjab (Popular in UP)
Though originally from Punjab, Chole Bhature has become a staple in Uttar Pradesh. This dish features fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature) served with a spicy chickpea curry. It’s often garnished with onions, green chilies, and lemon for extra zest.
Where to Try: Kanpur and Lucknow roadside eateries
6. Tehri (UP’s Version of Vegetable Biryani)
Origin: Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Tehri is a spiced rice dish cooked with seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices. Unlike biryani, it is lighter on the stomach and is a go-to meal for many in UP households. The addition of ghee gives it an extra richness.
Where to Try: Varanasi and Allahabad’s local kitchens
7. Baati Chokha (Rural Staple of Eastern UP)
Origin: Purvanchal (Eastern Uttar Pradesh)
Baati Chokha is a traditional dish where wheat dough balls (baati) are baked over charcoal or cow dung cakes. They are served with mashed spiced brinjal (chokha), tomato chutney, and a generous drizzle of ghee. This dish is a staple in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions.
Where to Try: Varanasi and Gorakhpur highway dhabas
8. Malaiyo (Winter’s Sweet Foam from Varanasi)
Origin: Varanasi
Malaiyo is a winter delicacy, made by churning sweetened milk and allowing it to froth overnight in the cold air. The airy, saffron-infused foam melts instantly in the mouth. This dish is available only during winter mornings.
Where to Try: Thatheri Bazaar in Varanasi
9. Kakori Kebab (The Softer Version of Seekh Kebab)
Origin: Kakori, Uttar Pradesh
Kakori Kebab is an even more delicate version of the seekh kebab, with finely minced meat mixed with roasted spices, saffron, and dry fruits. It is known for its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and is often grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.
Where to Try: Lucknow’s famous kebab houses
10. Gujiya (Festive Sweet of Holi & Diwali)
Origin: Across Uttar Pradesh
Gujiya is a deep-fried pastry stuffed with khoya, grated coconut, dry fruits, and sugar. This crispy and rich dessert is mostly prepared during Holi and Diwali. The outer shell is golden brown and flaky, while the inner filling is sweet and nutty.
Where to Try: Kanpur and Lucknow sweet shops
Final Thoughts
Uttar Pradesh’s cuisine is a mix of royal flavors, street-side favorites, and traditional home-cooked meals. From rich kebabs to indulgent sweets, these dishes define the region’s diverse food culture. Whether you visit the old streets of Lucknow or the temples of Mathura, trying these iconic foods is a must.