Famous Sweet Shops in Lucknow
Lucknow, the land of Nawabs, is renowned for its culinary opulence, and the city’s rich dessert heritage is no exception. From traditional Awadhi sweets to iconic mithais passed down through generations, the sweet shops of Lucknow offer a taste of culture, history, and indulgence. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a dessert connoisseur, this guide will help you explore the most famous sweet shops in Lucknow and their must-try offerings.
Famous Sweet Shops in Lucknow
Why Lucknow is a Paradise for Sweet Lovers
Lucknow’s sweets are deeply influenced by Mughal and Awadhi cuisines, often characterized by the use of khoya (milk solids), saffron, dry fruits, and aromatic spices like cardamom and rose. Many of these sweet shops have been serving traditional recipes for over a century, making them culinary landmarks in their own right.
Top 7 Famous Sweet Shops in Lucknow & Their Signature Mithais
1. Ram Asrey Sweets – The Pioneer of Malai Gilori
Established in 1805, Ram Asrey is one of the oldest sweet shops in India, best known for the delectable Malai Gilori (also called Malai Paan). This dessert, made of thin layers of cream folded like a paan and stuffed with saffron and dry fruits, melts in your mouth with every bite.
🗺️ Location: Aminabad
🍬 Must-Try: Malai Gilori, Soan Papdi, Rajbhog
2. Chhappan Bhog – A Modern Mithai Marvel
Chhappan Bhog is a household name in Lucknow, famous for its premium quality sweets, dry fruits, and snacks. It combines traditional mithais with modern packaging, making it perfect for gifting during festivals.
Location: Sadar Bazaar & Aliganj
Must-Try: Kaju Katli, Dry Fruit Laddoos, Chocolate Burfi
3. Radhey Lal Sweets – Authentic Taste of Awadh
Famous for its desi ghee preparations, Radhey Lal is where classic mithais are given the royal treatment. Their Gulab Jamuns and Rasgullas are soft, juicy, and infused with just the right amount of sweetness.
Location: Alambagh & Chowk
Must-Try: Rasmalai, Kalakand, Peda
4. New Gupta Sweets – Where Every Sweet Has a Story
This iconic sweet shop is known for creative fusion sweets and high-quality ingredients. They serve a wide variety of North Indian sweets and also offer delicious street snacks.
Location: Hazratganj & Gomti Nagar
Must-Try: Mango Rasgulla, Rasmalai Cake, Motichoor Laddoo
5. Moti Mahal Sweets – Simplicity Meets Excellence
With multiple outlets across Lucknow, Moti Mahal is known for consistent quality, reasonable pricing, and a huge fan base. Their traditional sweets are light, flavorful, and made fresh daily.
🗺️ Location: Nirala Nagar, Indira Nagar
🍬 Must-Try: Imarti, Rabri, Mewa Barfi
6. Ghasitaram Sweets – The Royal Dessert Shop
A legacy sweet shop that reflects royal flavors of Nawabi Lucknow, Ghasitaram is known for exotic sweets made from premium nuts, saffron, and silver leaf. It’s a favorite for wedding and festive gifting.
🗺️ Location: Gomti Nagar
🍬 Must-Try: Dry Fruit Halwa, Kesar Peda, Besan Laddoo
7. Neelkanth Sweets – A Modern Twist on Tradition
Neelkanth Sweets offers a mix of fusion desserts and classic mithais, appealing to both young foodies and old-school sweet lovers. Their sweets are hygienically prepared and beautifully presented.
🗺️ Location: Mahanagar & Jankipuram
🍬 Must-Try: Blueberry Sandesh, Gulkand Laddoo, Rabri Jalebi
Desserts Unique to Lucknow You Shouldn’t Miss
- Makhan Malai (Nimish): A winter delicacy made with cream, milk froth, saffron, and topped with pistachios.
- Malai Gilori: Creamy folds of malai with a sweet filling, unique to the city.
- Kheer Mohan: A royal version of rasgulla soaked in thickened milk.
- Zafrani Kheer: A rich, saffron-infused rice pudding, traditionally served during special occasions.
TripCosmos.co’s Sweet Trail of Lucknow
As part of our curated Lucknow Heritage and Food Tour, TripCosmos.co now offers a Sweet Trail Add-On—a guided exploration of the city’s best sweet shops with tastings included.
What You Get:
- Visit to 4–5 iconic sweet shops
- Sampling of 10+ mithais
- Local storytelling and food history
- Ideal for couples, families & foodies
📍 Starting Point: Hazratganj or Chowk
📅 Available: Daily (Morning & Evening Slots)
Tips for a Sweet Tasting Experience in Lucknow
- Start with light sweets like Malai Gilori or Sandesh before heavy ones.
- Carry a water bottle and eat slowly to savor every bite.
- Don’t miss Makhan Malai in winter—it’s seasonal and heavenly.
- Ask for half portions if trying multiple varieties.
- Most shops pack mithai for travel or gifting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best sweets to take back home from Lucknow?
Kaju Katli, Soan Papdi, Dry Fruit Laddoos, and Malai Peda are great for travel and make excellent gifts.
2. Are sweets in Lucknow made with desi ghee?
Yes, most traditional shops like Radhey Lal and Ram Asrey use pure desi ghee for authentic flavor and richness.
3. Is Makhan Malai available all year round?
No, Makhan Malai (also called Nimish) is a winter-exclusive sweet available from November to February.
4. Can I visit all sweet shops in one day?
You can visit 3–4 top shops in a half-day tour. TripCosmos.co offers curated Sweet Trails for your convenience.
5. Are there sugar-free options available?
Yes, modern sweet shops like Chhappan Bhog and Neelkanth offer sugar-free mithais for diabetic and health-conscious customers.
Indulge in the Sweet Legacy of Lucknow with TripCosmos.co
From century-old mithai makers to modern dessert pioneers, Lucknow’s sweet shops are a testament to its rich culinary culture. Let TripCosmos.co be your guide to tasting the best desserts the city has to offer, one delicious bite at a time.
