The religious capital of the state of UP shows the entire range of culinary skills throughout the state confluence at a singular focal point. From spicy to tangy to sweet, the possibilities are endless. Here are the top must-try dishes when in Allahabad.
1. Kachori Sabzi
Kachori Sabzi is a staple diet of the people here. It is a go to food for breakfast, lunch or even dinner. Served in every nook and corner by vendors, this is a tasty and a filling snack. The Sabzi is an Aloo Curry made in a spicy preparation while the Kachori is flaky and eaten separately or dipped in the Sabzi.
2. Chhole Bhature
Chhole Bhature is one of the most celebrated dishes in the whole of North-India. Also known as Chana Bhatura this is the most economical and filling meal too. The Bhatura is a fried leavened Indian flat Bread, it is served with an abundant curry called Chhole.. Chhole is a spicy preparation and it is prepared using white Chickpeas. Every place has a different version of this versatile dish. In some places, Chhole Bhature can be served with a portion of Pickle, Curd, and even Potato preparation.
3. Lassi
Lassi is a curd preparation which can be sweet or savory. Generally, it is saccharine. It gets usually served in earthen pots, and the texture is very creamy. The froth at the top of the drink that gets settled can be skimmed off and eaten like a delicacy.
4. Kebabs
Kebabs are a delectable preparation of marinated minced Meat or mashed Chickpea mixed with spices and grilled to crisp yet soft perfection. Kebabs can be eaten with Khameeri parantha or made into a roll. They go very well with raw onions as Salad and green Chutney.
5. Dum Aloo
Dum Aloo is a spicy slow cooked potato preparation made into a delicious curry and gets served along with hot Indian flatbread. The curry is generously spiced and is traditionally made out of whole baby Potatoes. The base gravy could be of curd or cream. The flavors get beautifully blended as savory, tangy and creamy.
6. Makkhan Malai
It also bears the title of Daulat ki Chaat. The name Chaat can be very misleading since it is, in fact, a sweet dish! This dessert is made using Milk Cream, has a frothy texture, and gets served with a topping of Cardamom and Almonds. It is seen prominently during the winters.
7. Kathi Rolls
Rolls are delicious budgeted meals, but Allahabad’s Kathi Rolls step up the game and bring a whole new twist to the roll eating population. These Kathi Rolls have crispy and flaky outer covering and a variety of fillings including some raw onions. They get usually served with an accompaniment of mint Chutney.
8. Golgappas
The Allahabadi Golgappas are nothing similar to the Panipuri of Mumbai. The Puri themselves have two varieties, one made of Semolina (usually the elongated ones) and the wheat variety. If you feel it makes no difference then think again because it changes the entire taste of the Golgappas. The water can be spicy, sweet, tangy or all of it at once.
9. Dehati ke Rasagulle
These Rasagulle are enormous in size and proportion. In Allahabad, it is Gulab Jamun that is called Rasgulla, and the shops at Chowk are famous for the same.
10. Allahabadi Churmura
This snack is a perfect chaat that you can have on the go. It is made out of Lentils that are generally fried, Peanuts, and puffed Rice. In addition to that, vendors also add chopped Onions and tomatoes and top it all with a fresh squeeze of Lemon. This mouth-watering dish is fairly common and can be seen almost at every major shopping location.
11. Imarti
What sets Imarti apart from Jalebi is that Imartis are always crunchy and contain less sugar syrup. What may come as a surprise is the fact that Imarti is actually made of udad dal! The usual patrons greatly enjoy this dessert, whether eaten warm or cold. The art of making Imarti is unique and can leave one spell bound.
12. Momos
Momos are dumplings that have a vegetarian or non-vegetarian filling and served with Schwan sauce. Originally from Tibet, they have found a home in Indian hearts. Momos are now one of the most common street foods in the entire North India. Other variations include Tandoori Momo; a fusion of these momos with an Indian twist.
13. Jalebi – Rabri
Jalebi Rabri is a sweetness overload that you can never get tired of in your entire life! The humble Jalebi when converges with the textured rabri gives rise to a culinary treat. The crispy Jalebis with the soft Rabri start a party right in the mouth.
14. Paan
Paan is a preparation that makes use of Betel Leaf and traditionally Areca Nut, but the variety of paans available now are overwhelming, from Strawberry to even Chocolate Paan. With Allahabad’s relative proximity to Banaras, the paan vendors have made their way here as well.
15. Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsari Kulcha is a fluffy leavened Indian flatbread that has a bread-like consistency and the stuffing is of spiced Potatoes. The Kulcha tastes amazing when served hot is a filling breakfast to start your day.
16. Pakora
Pakora are the best accompaniment to the Allahabad’s shivering winters and pouring rain. Pakora could range from Bread Pakora, Paneer Pakora to Fish Pakora and all of them are big favorites.
17. Samosa
These little triangles of fried happiness are available all year round and have such great variety of fillings ranging from Paneer to various vegetables. Samosas are best to be eaten with green Chutney and a piping hot cup of tea. They are also sometimes served with Pindi Chhole or made into Samosa Chaat. Hari Ram & Sons are synonymous with the legendary special Samosa of Allahabad.
18. Raj Kachori
Raj Kachori is a dish fit for the kings, it starts with a crispy exterior, which gives way to soft and mushy interiors made of Pakores, and it is topped off with Curd, Aloo Bhujiya, Namkeen, green Chutney and sweet Chutney.
19. Kulfi-Falooda
No summer is ever complete until you have had the Kulfi. The Kulfi served here is more complex and is generally accompanied with abundant Nuts and Falooda. This sugary delight that provides relief from the harsh sun is a much-loved classic all over Allahabad.
20. Chaat
Without the mention of Allahabad’s chaat this list would remain incomplete. Available as a street food all over Allahabad, Chaat is a quick fix for hunger and is a delight to the taste buds. It is a snack for all times.
