Lucknow, the royal city of Nawabs, is synonymous with heritage, culture, and above all — biryani. More than just a dish, Lucknowi Biryani is an emotion, a fragrant and flavorful feast that reflects centuries of Awadhi culinary tradition. Cooked using the dum pukht style, where rice and meat are slow-cooked together in a sealed pot, the biryani of Lucknow is rich in aroma, mild in spice, and deeply satisfying.
In this local’s guide to the best biryani in Lucknow, we bring you the must-visit spots that have perfected this iconic dish — from age-old kitchens to buzzing food stalls.
Best Biryani in Lucknow
What Makes Lucknowi Biryani Unique?
Unlike its spicier Hyderabadi cousin, Lucknowi Biryani (also called Awadhi Biryani) focuses on flavor harmony, long-grain basmati rice, marinated meat, and delicate infusions of saffron, rose water, and screwpine (kewra). The meat is first slow-cooked separately, then layered with partially cooked rice and aromatic spices and sealed for “dum” cooking.
Top 7 Places to Enjoy Best Biryani in Lucknow
1. Idris Biryani – The Unmatched Old City Legend
Idris is a name that echoes across generations of Lucknowi food lovers. Located near Chowk, this humble outlet serves a robust mutton biryani that’s juicy, smoky, and unforgettable. No frills — just pure flavor.
Location: Patanala, Raja Bazar, Chowk
Must-Try: Mutton Biryani
Average Price: ₹150 per plate
2. Wahid Biryani – The Taste of Royal Awadh
A culinary institution in Aminabad, Wahid is known for its fragrant biryani, tender meat, and balance of spices. Established in 1955, the place has expanded to multiple outlets but retained its authentic flavor.
Location: Aminabad, Hazratganj, Alambagh
Must-Try: Chicken Biryani, Seekh Kebab
Average Price: ₹180–₹220
3. Dastarkhwan – Biryani with a Nawabi Experience
Dastarkhwan is for those who love biryani served in a sit-down family setting with Nawabi gravitas. The biryani here is moist, delicately spiced, and pairs perfectly with galouti kebabs.
Location: Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar
Must-Try: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Korma
Average Price: ₹250–₹300
4. Lalla Biryani – The Hidden Gem of Chowk
Tucked inside the narrow bylanes of Chowk, Lalla Biryani is loved by locals for its street-style Awadhi biryani. Cooked in big deghs, the rice is full of smokiness and comes with soft meat chunks.
Location: Tehseen Ganj, Chowk
Must-Try: Mutton Biryani
Average Price: ₹120–₹150
5. Mashi Biryani – Home-Style Delicacy
Mashi Biryani is a hidden treasure in Indira Nagar, serving homemade-style biryani that tastes like it came straight out of your grandmother’s pot. Perfect for those who prefer light spice and strong aroma.
Location: Indira Nagar
Must-Try: Chicken Biryani, Egg Biryani
Average Price: ₹120–₹180
6. Naushijaan – The Gourmet Experience
Naushijaan in Hazratganj offers biryani for the refined palate. It’s mildly spiced but loaded with authentic Awadhi flavors, perfect for tourists and families looking for a complete Awadhi meal.
Location: Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar
Must-Try: Awadhi Chicken Biryani, Shahi Tukda
Average Price: ₹250+
7. Sakhawat Restaurant – Biryani & Beyond
Located near the Residency, this old gem is famous for its mutton biryani and kakori kebabs. The biryani is made with aged rice and perfectly tender meat — a classic Nawabi treat.
Location: Near Residency, Kaiserbagh
Must-Try: Mutton Biryani, Kakori Kebabs
Average Price: ₹200
TripCosmos.co’s Lucknow Food Walk & Biryani Trail
As a travel company based in Varanasi, TripCosmos.co brings you closer to the real taste of Lucknow through curated Biryani Trails and Food Walks. With a local guide, you can explore multiple biryani joints, taste other Awadhi specialties, and learn the history of biryani from the streets that made it famous.
Included:
- Tastings at 3–4 biryani outlets
- Guided cultural food walk
- Street snacks & dessert tastings
- Optional transportation
Tips for Biryani Lovers in Lucknow
- Visit Chowk in the early evening when the deghs are freshly opened.
- Pair your biryani with raita, onion salad, or shorba for a complete experience.
- Mutton is the most preferred meat for authentic Awadhi biryani.
- Ask for “dum biryani” specifically to ensure it’s layered and slow-cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between Lucknowi and Hyderabadi Biryani?
Lucknowi biryani is less spicy and cooked using the dum method with pre-cooked meat and rice, while Hyderabadi biryani is cooked with raw marinated meat and layered with rice.
2. Which is the best biryani spot for first-timers in Lucknow?
Wahid Biryani and Dastarkhwan are highly recommended for their consistent flavor and welcoming ambiance.
3. Is biryani available all day in Lucknow?
Most biryani joints start serving by lunchtime (12 PM) and continue till dinner. Some stalls like Idris and Lalla are best visited in the evening.
4. Do these biryani shops offer vegetarian options?
While most serve only non-veg biryani, a few like Naushijaan and Chhappan Bhog offer vegetarian biryani or zafrani pulao.
5. Can I include a biryani tour in my TripCosmos.co Lucknow package?
Absolutely! Our customized Lucknow tour packages include biryani trails, heritage walks, and cultural experiences curated to your interests.
Savor the Royal Flavor of Lucknow with TripCosmos.co
From iconic street stalls to royal kitchens, the biryani of Lucknow is more than a meal — it’s a taste of history. Let TripCosmos.co be your food guide as you explore the Nawabi capital, one flavorful plate at a time.
