Cuisines of Awadh

Awadh known as Oudh, Oundh or Oude in the Colonial British Era, is the combination of United Provinces of Agra and Uttar Pradesh. After Independence the same region is known as Uttar Pradesh. The Capital of Awadh had been Lucknow and so is today of Uttar Pradesh.

With the changing times, a lot has changed in Awadh beginning from the name to the dress. But one thing has not changed – the delicacies of Awadh. They still water the mouths of people who come here to try out the numerous varieties of food. Beginning from the House of Lucknowi Nawabs, these have come to the streets where they are taken as some of the best refreshing gourmets of India. So whenever you welcome yourself to the lands of Uttar Pradesh, welcome yourself to the soil of ultimate dishes.

Out of the several dishes which are made here, Lucknowi Biryani is the yummiest. Biryani is basically rice mixed with a number of spices and dry fruits. The color of Biryani is often added up with the addition of turmeric. Made in vegetarian and non – vegetarian forms these make a inseparable part of Lucknowi Household and no meal is complete without the inclusion of this dish.

Another dish which is very famous is the Mughlai Chicken. Small pieces or big pieces, they are best when spices are added to them. Dipped in various Indian Sauces and the variety of with hot spices, this dish is a favorite of non – vegetarians. Another very famous dish of Awadh is Dahi Gosht or Curd Meat. Prepared by the method called Dum Phukt, it is prepared on very low heat. In this method of preparation, the meat is placed on the vessel at a very low heat while the container is almost sealed. Spices added the lamb is cooked and is often offered with rice or Biryani.


Apart from these regular meals, there is one thing which is liked as evening snacks by many. These are the kebabs, sort of pancakes. The most common sort of kebab are of lamb, goat, chicken, fish and shelfish. However when it comes to pure Awadhi dish, then only lambs are used to make the kebabs.
Though kebab has many forms but when the same thing is prepared in a Tandoor, then it is called as Kathi Kebab.


But whatever the form of Awadhi dishes, these have a lasting taste, a taste which stands the test of time. Every visitor of the Awadh would come up with this testing taste !