Share
As the holy month of Ramadan is all set to begin, meals consumed while breaking fasts become of utmost importance. Sehri – the morning meal, followed by a rather elaborate Iftaari – eaten during the evenings after namaz prayers have been offered, offer great insight into communal eating and the act of sharing meals. While these customs shape not just food traditions, they also amalgamate what has always been ingrained to give those relishing a meal, an unforgettable experience.
Within this space, the nihari – originating from the Arabic word nahaar – which means morning, and in this context a morning meal, has been a part of many breakfasts for the royals and masses, since many centuries. Savoured by the nawabs in Lucknow and Delhi, the rich and flavoursome mutton preparation uses a whopping 50 different spices in varying proportions, in a combination of staple as well as unique ones. The dish which is usually prepared for a large group of people, requires for it to simmer overnight in a degh – or cooking pot – to result in spicy, savoury and hearty dish that is enjoyed with kulchas.
What makes a Lucknowi kulcha different from the spongy ones that are found around Delhi, is the contrasting textures of a crisp exterior and a soft, airy centre – making them perfect to mop up the luscious leftovers. The combination of mutton shanks, bone marrow and stock is what gives the nihari its complex meaty flavours. Since the city of Lucknow has been steeped in the ancient wisdom of Awadhi kitchens that dished out the stew for breakfast, kulcha-nihari have become synonymous with a must-have meal in Lucknow.
We’ve rounded up a list of places, with a little help from foodies who know the city, to have you find yourself the best kulcha-nihari experience; and for a quick bite, of course!
Raheem’s Kulcha Nihari – Recommended by Aaftab Aalam (@aaftabs_yatra)
As one of the unmissable places in old Lucknow, Raheem’s has been an institution that has continued to serve up lip-smacking portions of slow-cooked nihari, with fresh kulchas and a helping of sliced onions with green chutney. With humble prices that are as low as ₹50 for half a plate, hungry diners find themselves making their way to the eatery as early as 5:00 am during the month of Ramadan.
Phone Number: 8467910966
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari
Timing: 5pm – 12am
Address: Opposite Tahseen Masjid, Chowk, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹400
Available Cuisines: Mughlai, Lucknowi
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Achchey Bhai Ke Kulche Nihari – Recommended by Sultan Salman (@detailed_foodstory)
Another one of those iconic local haunts that Lucknow prides itself for, is this unpretentious eatery in Raja Bazar that serves up handis brimming with nihari alongside fresh-out-of-the-tandoor kulchas and the flakiest girdey. Go with a group of friends for a truly enriching experience, as you tower over the closely packed tables to relish a meaty breakfast or lunch.
Phone Number: 7408366601
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari, Girdey
Timing: 10am – 10 pm
Address: 228/151, Raja Bazar, Yahiyaganj, Chowk, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹200
Available Cuisines: North Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mubeen’s Kulcha Nihari – Recommended by Pranjal Srivastava (@petuu_pandaa)
Once you make your way through the narrow streets leading up to Mubeen’s, it’s easy to know why it’s worth the effort. As skewered meat roasts gently over coals at the entrace, find a table before you settle to savour the nihari that is further enriched with paya – or bone marrow. Served with chutney and sliced onions, polish off your meal with a sweet sheermal before you leave.
Phone Number: 9839188231
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari
Timing: 8am – 1am
Address: 1st Floor, Hotel Akbari Gate, Abdul Aziz Road Chowk, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹300
Available Cuisines: Mughlai
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mughal Zaika – Recommended by Soma (@foodiemoody30)
As a layer of delicious fat swims on top of a bowl of nihari at this joint located in the heart of the city, the stew is perfect to enjoy with a combination of sliced raw onions and fried onions, with which it is topped. Don’t stop at this and go on to order a portion of melt-in-the-mouth mutton galawat kebabs, and make it worth your while.
Phone Number: 5224308575
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari, Mutton Galawat Kebab
Timing: 12pm – 11:30pm
Address: 169/13, Old Nazirabad, Khyalganj, Aminabad, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹500
Available Cuisines: Mughlai
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
Also Read:
Image Credits: Tusk Travel
UP 32 Nihari Kulcha – Recommended by Akanksha Awasthi (@bukkadghumakkkad)
For anyone who feels like the trip to the old city can be hectic, UP 32 offers the same kind of comfort in the middle of a bustling city. Not only do they serve up a fall-off-the-bone nihari, but also dish out some of the best Kakori kebabs, tender chicken barra kebabs and malai tikka. If you plan on paying a visit with some vegetarian friends, plates of smoky soya chaap await them!
Phone Number: 7388223332
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari, Kakori kebab, Chicken Barra Kebab
Timing: 1am – 10:30pm
Address: Sector H, Near Dream World Park, Aashiana, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹400
Available Cuisines: Mughlai, North Indian
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jahangir Hotel – Recommended by Ruchi Gupta Das (@ruthsvlogs)
From having an enviable list of mutton delicacies that extend beyond the delightful nihari, work up an appetite before you head out to Jahangir Hotel. Order the kulcha-nihari, but also add on the kaleji roll, mutton korma and mutton band gosht to enjoy with kulchas and roomali rotis.
Phone Number: 9918191990
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari, Kaleji Roll, Mutton Korma
Timing: 11am – 11pm
Address: F1/3, Karamat Market, Nishatganj, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹400
Available Cuisines: Mughlai, North Indian
Type: Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
The Awadh’s Dastarkhwan
For a fancier yet authentic experience of the kulcha-nihari, The Awadh’s Dastarkhwan also offers an authentic spin on other Awadhi specialties like boti kebabs, malai tikka and more. If space in your belly permits, enjoy a serving of their bhuna mutton – which has tender pieces of mutton cooked in an aromatic, garam masala-heavy gravy.
Phone Number: 6387486123
USP Dishes: Kulcha Nihari, Bhuna Mutton
Timing: 1pm – 10:30pm
Address: TC 34/V2, Ground Floor, Cyber Tower, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
Cost for two: ₹500
Available Cuisines: Mughlai, Awadhi
Type: Vegetarian, Non Vegetarian
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner
