| Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh |
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When reading up on a tourist destination, one of the most important aspects tourists check out is the cuisine of the destination. And if you think of the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh, you are sure to end up spellbound with the impeccable cuisine of this state of India.
The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh has its roots in the courts of numerous rulers and emperors who had ruled UP. In fact, some dishes have its roots in the life and times of Lord Krishna; so rich is the cuisine of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, UP is one of the few states in India that offers a fabulous platter for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Uttar Pradesh is a state that is divided geographically, politically and by its cuisines into 3 zones; Western UP, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Oudh. Of the three, Oudh, or Awadh offers the best cuisine and culture. Kababs, Nihari and Biryani rule the menus of Oudh. The Muslim dominance here has led to a dominance in meat based items. The most famous Kababs here are the Shammi and Galawati Kababs, along with Biryani and Kulcha-Nihari. They are all Lucknow specialties. The Biryani cooked in Oudh is much different from the Biryani found in Hyderabad and Karachi, Pakistan. Kanpur boasts of Kakori and Boti Kababs while the famous vegetarian dishes here are Tahri, a dish of rice and lentils and Nargishi kofta, a dish using cheese, saffron and khova. Western Uttar Pradesh or Rampur is famous for its Rampuri Rohu and Zamindoz, two fish dishes. Though Rampur and Oudh are only 200 kilometers apart, there is great difference in spices, and taste of dishes. Pasanda kabab and Shab Deg are famous Kababs of this region while Paneer Pasanda is a famous vegetarian dish of the region. Tahri, Murg Musallam and Reshmi Kababs are the famous dishes of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sweets are specialties in Mathura and Agra zone which consist of the Khurchan and Peda of Mathura and Petha of Agra. Shahi Tukda is a specialty of Oudh while lassi and Ruh-afza are two popular, cooling drinks of Uttar Pradesh. And you can’t end the topic of cuisine of UP without a mention of its famous Paan of Benares, Banarsi Paan. This Paan is famous throughout India for its ingredients and taste, where at times, there may be 50 ingredients in the Paan. |
