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Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow
If you're a foodie then there are very few places that can beat the Nawabon ka Sheher Lucknow, says Harnoor Channi Tiwary.
With no holidays in store, it often becomes difficult to travel. Fret not. Book your tickets on the Delhi-Lucknow overnight Express train for Friday night and brace yourself for a weekend of gluttony.
However you plan your trip, make sure you manage to cover the following places:
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Harnoor Channi-Tiwary is the founder of Journey My Way, a personalised travel advisory firm journeymyway.com
Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow
The famous Tunde Kebab (100 year old, no less) don't disappoint. The others are just franchisees so head straight for the original one at Aminabad.
You may miss it if you're not looking hard enough, literally a hole in the wall it is. But the Gilauti Kebab they serve is worth the effort.
Soft as cream, they literally melt in the mouth. And at throwaway prices, you don't need to count the plates!
Once you do Tunde, it would be interesting to have a go at the Burra Kebab at Shekhawat. One of the best versions of the kebab I've tasted till date, they are succulent and perfectly smoked.
Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow
Want a break from the non-vegetarian food, then head to Jain Chaat Bhandaar.
If you thought the Chaat in Delhi rocks, you are right but this is where its at!
Be it the crispy Aalu Tikki, the Matar Chaat or the spicy Gol Gappas (called Pani Batasha), you will find it tough to stop!
Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow
Starve yourself before you head to this next joint. Awadh Biryani near Dainik Jagran -- a rustic and very basic place with ten or so tables crammed into the back room. But you won't regret it one bit once you order.
The Kaleji is spiced with green chilies and has a lovely bite to it. The Chicken Masala is avoidable but don't miss the Boti Kebab or the Chicken Korma which gives Karim's a run for its money!
And if you still have some tiny bit of place left in your tummy, order the Chicken Biryani. Each grain is full of flavour and the rice itself is packed with punch.
The total damage? A laughable Rs100 per head. Best to go in a big group so that you can order lots.
Eating out: On the food trail in Lucknow
The best way to appreciate something is to try different extremes and compare the contrasts. Once you're done with the street food of Lucknow, you have enough left in your budget for one extravagant meal.
Head straight to the Taj Vivanta in Gomti Nagar. The property itself is quite charming with a lovely central dome in the lobby and sprawled over gardens and swimming pools. The hotel also houses the award winning Awadh restaurant called Oudhyana.
An expansive menu to help you make your decision but what is truly recommended is to go for the Kebab Platter. With two pieces each of melting Gilauti Kebab, Silky Kakori, Chicken Tikkas marinated in turmeric and yogurt, Tandoori Chicken and Fish Kebab, the platter is good value for money.
Each preparation excels over the other and it really becomes tough to decide which order again. The damage is much more than you spent on all the above at around Rs 700 per head but it is money well spent.
So the next time you have a weekend free, book your train tickets and allow yourself to experience the Nawabi hospitality and Awadh cuisine at its best!