The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is just as diverse as its geography. It consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Majority of the Uttar Pradesh cuisine comprise of simple and sober vegetarian meals. Dal, roti, subzi and rice constitute the essentials of daily food habits of the locals. Pooris and kachoris are relished on special occasions. Some of the popular preparations of Uttar Pradesh are Dum Biryani, Kebabs, Kulcha-Nihari, Pasanda Kebab, Mutton Kofta, Allahabad ki Tehri etc. "Banarasi Paan" is famous all over the India for its taste and ingredients. It is taken after having the food as peppermint to digest them.
Awadhi Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh
Awadhi Cuisine is native to the city of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Most of the dishes of this region have been influenced by Mughal cooking techniques. The Awadhi cuisine has similarities to those of Kashmir and Punjab. The most famous cuisines in Oudh or Awadh are "Kebabs", "Biryani" and "Nihari". Because of the Muslim dominance most of the items of this region chiefly concentrate on meat. Among the kebabs, "Shami", "Kakori", "Boti" and "Galauti" kebabs are the specialty of Lucknow and so are "Kulcha-Nihari" and "Biryani". Exceptional feature of the Awadhi tradition of cooking is the "Dum Pukht" process of preparing food. In this exclusive style, food is sealed in large pots called Handi and placed over slow fire, allowing the ingredients to be cooked in their own juices under the strict supervision of specialist experts known as "Bawarchi" (cooks). Hence, Dum Biryani (both in chicken and mutton) is one of the most popular and dominant dish originated from Awadhi cuisine. Awadh is also known as the place for "Nawabi Foods".
Common Dishes of Uttar Pradesh
There are several popular veg and non-veg preparations in Uttar Pradesh. Wheat is the staple food of the state; breads are mostly used to prepare "Naan" or "roti". Plain rice and all kinds of vegetables are also included in the list of common dishes of Uttar Pradesh. Some of the common dishes of the state are Aaloo Paratha, Baati chokha/ Litti, Boondi, Chaat, Chilla, Chole Bhature, Daal Bhari Puri, Daal Makhani, Dum Bhindi, Fara, Gobhi Mussallam, Kachori, Kadi Chawal, Pakoda Kadhi, Kofta, Korma, Laapsi, Meethi Roti, Methi Paratha, Nimona (Green Pea & Potato Curry), Palak Paneer, Pakoda, Pasanda Kebab (skewered boneless mutton), Pasanda Paneer, Puri, Raita, Rajma, Rizala, Saada Paratha, Samosa, Seek Kebab, Shab Deg (a winter dish, turnips and mutton balls with saffron), Sooji Halwa, Sultani Dal, Tehri etc.
Popular Desserts of Uttar Pradesh
Mathura and Agra are popular for their sweets. "Peda" from Mathura, "Petha" from Agra, "Khurchan", "Chum chum", "Gulab Jamun", "Kheer" and "Jalebi are the most popular sweets of Uttar Pradesh. "Shahi Tukda" of Oudh region is very popular too. Some other traditional desserts of the state are Balushahi, Barfi, Chhena, Gajar ka Halwa, Ghevar, Gond ke Laddu, Gujia, Imarti, Jalebi, Chandra Kala, Kaju Katli, Kalakand, Kheer, Kulfi, Laddu, Motichoor Laddoo, Laung Latta, Malpua, Petha, Rabarri, Ras Malai, Sheer Khorma, Taasmai etc.
Popular Beverages of Uttar Pradesh
"Sharbat" is a popular beverage in Uttar Pradesh. Popular sharbats include: "Rose Sharbat", "Khas ka Sharbat", Chaman ka Sharbat, Gurahl Sharbat (hibiscus), etc. Some other popular beverages of Uttar Pradesh are Chhaas, Lassi, Thandai etc.