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Every city on the banks of the River Ganga in India has a story to tell, but perhaps none as much as Prayagraj, the city located on the Triveni Sangam of the Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Previously known as Allahabad, this city in Uttar Pradesh is a major tourist destination, especially around the Kumbh Mela festival which attracts people from around the world. Nostalgia and tradition spanning centuries come together in the city of Prayagraj, but the true experience of this city is incomplete without the famous and iconic dishes served here.
Not only does Prayagraj represent Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, food culture and traditions, but also has influences of Mughal cuisine. If Lucknow is considered to be the epitome of Mughlai and Awadhi food, then Prayagraj too has food gems that have their roots in that culture. This apart, vegetarian delicacies born from the Ganga-Yamuni tradition as well as the evolution of the local population have also made an impact in the city’s food scene.
So, if you are in Prayagraj any time soon, checking out all the local foods and flavours is a must. Here are some such famous and iconic dishes of Prayagraj that you must try.
Video Credit: YouTube/Ajay Chopra
1. Kachori Sabji
The Kachoris of Prayagraj are famed not only for their soft, flaky texture but also their urad dal stuffing. This age-old dish melds the flavours of spicy, savoury and tangy like no other dish can and is usually served across the city with a simple Aloo Ki Sabji on the side. The Kachoris, when fried in pure desi ghee, taste best and so you must taste this dish at reputed restaurants like Netram Mulchand & Sons when in Prayagraj.
2. Biryani
Spicier than the one served in Lucknow, the Biryani of Prayagraj, whether made with mutton, chicken or vegetables like kanthal or jackfruit, hold a place of their own among the Biryanis of India. The dish is always made with basmati rice and has the perfect medley of rice grains that are white and brown. On the side, Raita and other kebabs are often served. Places in Civil Lines serve some of the best Biryanis in Prayagraj.
3. Dahi Sonth Ke Batashe
Even when Prayagraj was known as Allahabad, the city was famed for the varieties of Chaat its street vendors sold, and this holds true even today. One of the most popular Chaats served in this city are Dahi Sonth Ke Batashe, which is made with what you may know better as the Puris of Pani Puri. These crunchy Puris are stuffed with whisked salty and tangy curd and sweet and spicy Sonth Ki Chutney along with potatoes and other toppings. The ones at Nirala Ki Chaat are to die for!
4. Masala Churmura
You might have tasted Bhel Puri and Jhalmuri, but if you haven’t tasted the unique Masala Churmura of Prayagraj then you are really missing out. The Churmura or puffed rice in this snack is dry roasted and then mixed with a variety of toppings like onions, tomatoes, herbs, peanuts and green chillies. A dash of lemon and chutneys on top elevates the dish too. The best Masala Churmura in the city can be found in Civil Lines.
5. Kandmool
Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh isn’t the only city in the state which is linked to Lord Ram and stories around him. The drum-shaped fruit called Kandmool, which is found extensively across Prayagraj, is believed to have been consumed by the trio of Lord Ram, Devi Sita and Lord Laxman when they went on 14 years’ exile. Today, the fruit is sliced up and served as a snack across the streets of the city. The fruit is also featured heavily during the famous Kumbh Mela.
Video Credit: YouTube/Chef Ranveer Brar
6. Kaali Gajar Ka Halwa
You might have heard of Gajar Ka Halwa and how it tastes best when made with red carrots available in winter. But have you ever heard of or tasted the Prayagraj-special Kali Gajar Ka Halwa made with black carrots? Black carrots become available during winters in certain parts of North India for a brief period of time, and in Prayagraj, its saccharine sweet and slightly smokey flavours are celebrated with this sweet dish that is topped with plenty of dry fruits and khoya to offer contrast.
7. Dahi-Jalebi
You might think Dahi-Jalebi sounds like a weird combination, especially since Indians are more familiar with Rabdi-Jalebi and even Poha-Jalebi. But in Prayagraj, the unique combination of neutral-flavoured curd and sweet jalebis makes for a combo that simply cannot be missed. The sweetness of the Jalebi is perfectly offset by the cold Dahi, making this a must-have. Try Hira Halwai for some of the best plates of this one.
8. Angoori Petha
Once again, you might ask yourself why anyone would try the Petha in Prayagraj when it is more popular in Agra, another city located in Uttar Pradesh. Well, this is because Angoori Petha in Prayagraj is a sweet dish that nobody should miss because of their unique texture, shape, translucent colour and of course, unadulterated purity. There are in fact many varieties of Petha beyond Angoori Petha that you can also try here.
