List of Lucknow’s Famous Sweets (Mithai) and Desserts
Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, is famous for its historical monuments, rich heritage, clothes, foods, and delectable sweets (mithai). Here are some of Lucknow’s most popular sweets you should try:
Rewdi/Revdi: Rewdi is a winter specialty made primarily from white sesame seeds (safed til), sugar or jaggery (gur), and ghee (clarified butter). This treat is beloved for its crunchiness and mild sweetness, making it popular during festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti. The sesame seeds are dry-roasted and then coated in thick caramelized sugar syrup, which hardens into small, bite-sized pieces. This sweet is not only delicious but also provides warmth and energy, making it ideal for cold weather. Some variations include flavored rewdi with cardamom, saffron, or even a hint of rose essence.
Gajak: Gajak is another winter delicacy similar to rewdi but with a more brittle and flaky texture. It is made by combining sesame seeds or peanuts with jaggery or sugar and ghee and then rolling them into thin sheets. The preparation involves slow roasting and hand-rolling, giving it an airy crunch. This sweet is high in protein and good fats, making it a nutritious snack. In Lucknow, you can find different types of gajak, such as dry-fruit gajak, khasta (crispy) gajak, and til-gur gajak, which are enjoyed with tea on chilly evenings.
Malai Gilouri(Malai Paan): Malai Gilouri is an exquisite sweet from Lucknow that was traditionally prepared without using flour, making it a unique dairy-based dessert. The name “gilouri” (meaning betel leaf wrap) comes from its resemblance to a paan (betel leaf wrap), though it is entirely made of malai (clotted cream). The preparation involves carefully folding layers of malai into a triangular shape, filled with a stuffing of pistachios, almonds, and saffron-infused khoya. This sweet melts in the mouth instantly and is a hallmark of Lucknow’s rich culinary tradition. It was once served in the Nawabi courts as a delicacy during royal feasts.
Kali Gajar ka Halwa: Unlike the regular carrot halwa (Gajar ka Halwa) made from red or orange carrots, Kali Gajar ka Halwa is made using black carrots, which have a deeper, earthier taste. This rare delicacy is cooked by slowly simmering grated black carrots in milk, ghee, and sugar, reducing it to a thick, creamy consistency. The addition of khoya and dry fruits enhances its richness. Due to the limited availability of black carrots, this halwa is a seasonal treat, mostly prepared in winter. It is believed that black carrots contain more antioxidants, making this dish both delicious and nutritious. A must-try dessert that captures the essence of Lucknow’s culinary heritage!
Makhan Malai/Nimish: Makhan Malai, also known as “Nimish” or “Malaiyo,” is a delicate, airy dessert that is a winter specialty of Lucknow. It is made by whisking milk and cream overnight, allowing the dew to settle and naturally thicken the mixture. This results in a foam-like texture, which is then lightly sweetened with sugar and flavored with saffron and cardamom. Topped with pistachios and silver varq, this dessert is so light that it dissolves the moment it touches your tongue. Makhan Malai is usually sold in the early mornings during winter and disappears quickly due to its short shelf life.
Kulfi Falooda: A combination of two delicious desserts—kulfi (a denser version of ice cream) and falooda (sweetened vermicelli noodles)—this dish is a summer favorite. Kulfi is made by slowly simmering milk until it thickens, then freezing it with flavors like kesar (saffron), pista (pistachio), and rose. It is served with falooda noodles, which are soaked in rose syrup and basil seeds. The dish is often garnished with chopped nuts and drizzled with rabri (sweetened condensed milk). Kulfi Falooda is a must-try dessert at Lucknow’s street stalls and traditional sweet shops.
Shahi Tukra: Shahi Tukra, translating to “Royal Bite,” is an iconic Mughlai dessert that originated in the royal kitchens of Lucknow. It consists of deep-fried bread slices soaked in thick, saffron-infused sugar syrup and topped with a generous layer of rabri (thickened milk). The dish is garnished with almonds, pistachios, and a dusting of cardamom. This rich, decadent dessert is often served during marriages, festivals, and grand feasts. Some modern versions also include a drizzle of honey or a touch of rose water for added aroma.
Shakkarpara: Shakkarpara is a simple yet addictive snack that is popular across North India. These diamond-shaped, crispy bites are made by deep-frying dough prepared from flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. Some variations use jaggery instead of sugar, giving them a richer caramelized taste. Shakkarpara is often prepared during festivals like Diwali and Holi, as it has a long shelf life and is perfect for gifting. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Warqi Shahi: Warqi Shahi is a layered pastry-based sweet, where “warq” refers to the thin, flaky layers of dough. It consists of multiple layers of delicate filo-like pastry, filled with a mixture of khoya, dry fruits, and cardamom. The top is brushed with ghee and sprinkled with sugar before baking to a golden crisp. The use of edible silver foil enhances its regal appeal, making it a favorite among those who love rich, royal desserts.
Nawabi Jafrani Phirni: Nawabi Jafrani Phirni (rice pudding) is a royal delicacy made by slow-cooking ground rice in sweetened, saffron-infused milk until it reaches a rich, velvety consistency. The addition of cardamom enhances its aroma, while finely chopped almonds and pistachios add a delightful crunch. Traditionally served chilled in earthen pots, this Mughlai dessert is a festive favorite, symbolizing indulgence and grandeur.
Ras Malai: Ras Malai is one of the most beloved and luxurious Indian desserts, particularly popular in Lucknow, and is often served during special occasions and festivals. It consists of soft, spongy chenna (paneer or cottage cheese) dumplings that are soaked in a thick, creamy, and fragrant milk sauce. The dessert is delicately flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, then garnished with slivers of almonds and pistachios, making it a visually appealing and delicious treat.
These are just a few of the many delicious sweets that Lucknow has to offer. Lucknow’s sweets are more than just desserts—they are a reflection of the city’s rich cultural history and culinary excellence. From the royal delicacies of the Nawabs to the simple pleasures of street-side treats, every mithai tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and indulgence. Whether you are visiting the city or simply want to explore its flavors from afar, these sweets are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. So, next time you’re in the city, be sure to try some of these local favorites!
If you’re visiting Lucknow and want to indulge in its famous sweets, here are the best places where you can try some of these delicacies:
Places To Try Out Malai Gilori (Malai Paan):
Ram Asrey Sweets (Chowk) (Since 1805) – The best place to try the original Malai Gilori, which is made fresh daily.
Chhappan Bhog (Apna Bazaar, Sadar) (Since 1992)
Places To Try Out Rewdi and Gajak:
Ram Asrey Sweets (Chowk, Hazratganj) – A heritage sweet shop famous for winter sweets like rewdi and gajak.
Sardar Ji Rewadi Wale (Charbagh, Lucknow)
Lucknow Chikki Center (New Ganeshganj, Lucknow)
Places To Try Out Shahi Tukra:
Dastarkhwan (Kaiserbagh, Hazratganj) – Offers an authentic Mughlai-style Shahi Tukra.
Tunday Kababi (Aminabad, Chowk) – A surprising but excellent place for Shahi Tukra after a hearty meal.
Places To Try Out Kulfi Falooda:
Prakash Kulfi (Aminabad) – Prakash Kulfi is an iconic shop where you can taste the creamiest kulfi served with chilled falooda and rose syrup.
Royal Cafe (Hazratganj) – Serves a delightful version of kulfi falooda alongside their famous basket chaat.
Moti Mahal Sweets (Hazratganj) – A great spot for trying different flavors of kulfi with falooda.
Places To Try Out Kali Gajar Ka Halwa:
Radhey Lal Parampara Sweets(Gol Darwaza, Chowk)
Chhappan Bhog (Apna Bazaar, Sadar)
Sewak Ram Misthan Bhandar (Chowk, Lucknow)
Places To Try Out Makhan Malai:
Chowk Area (Street Vendors) – Best available early morning
Aminabad (Near Hanuman Mandir) – Famous for fresh makhan malai
Gol Darwaza (Chowk Market) – Seasonal availability
Each of these iconic places in Lucknow has been preserving the city’s rich culinary heritage for generations. Whether you’re visiting during winter for Makhan Malai and Gajak or looking for a royal treat like Shahi Tukra, these spots promise an unforgettable experience.
Would you like recommendations on the best time to visit these places or tips for exploring Lucknow’s street food scene?
