Okay let me admit, until recently I believed that the city of Kanpur is only known for its textiles or the famous ganga ghat. But a few days ago, when a friend on a visit to a shadi in Kanpur began posting pictures on social media of the delicacies the city is known for, I took a double take. Had I been missing on this treasure trove of foodie destination all along? I mean, every single picture or the dish that was posted perfectly summed up the rustic charms of an Indian city and the traditional recipes that carry forward the food legacy. So, here’s to celebrating the spirit of this second largest state in Uttar Pradesh which I guarantee would not disappoint even a seasoned gourmet.
So, if you are in Kanpur, drop everything and do head to these foodie destinations – we promise that you will never regret your decision
Thaggu Ke Laddu
Image Credit: Twitter
Everything from its name to its catchy slogan is enough to draw you to this legendary sweet shop in the city called Thaggu ke Laddu. I mean how many times would you consider going to a shop that prides itself with a slogan – Aisa kopi saga nahi, jisko honey thaga nahi (There’s no one close to us whom we have not cheated!) But trust us, you will be cheating your taste buds if you skip a visit here. The shop famous for its desi ghee laddus challenges you to find a similar taste elsewhere. The recipe of their world famous laddus is closely guarded secret. The place also sells another popular dish called the badnaam kulfi. Now, if you haven’t yet wondered the mystery behind the names, the shop owner has quite a Bollywood style story of his own. Word has it that he ran away from his home and began selling laddus to survive and the rest is history as today it’s a chain of half-a-dozen shops in the city. If you still need more reasons to visit this place then well, it was also featured in hit flick Bunty Aur Babli.
Baba Biryani
Image Credit: facebook
Recreating the magical taste of the food of the nawabi era is a 50-year -old shop in Kanpur called Baba Biryani. A locals’ favourite, all roads on mahjor festivals are said to lead to Baconganj where the shop is located. The owner Mahmood is the third generation of family that specializes in the business. Their USP is that they use home recipes and are known not just for their biryani but various melt-in-mouth kebabs such as galouti, seekh and shami. They too now have multiple locations in the country.
Banarsi Misthan Bhandar
Image Credit: zomato
If you are in Kanpur, be prepared to not keep your sugar intake in check. After all, it is not every day that you encounter foodgasms at every nukkad. The shop specializes in boondi ke laddu and have over the years gained a cult status when it comes to boondi ke laddu. The locals do not believe in carrying on any auspicious occasion without celebrating it with these laddus.
Dubeyji Chaat Waley
Image Credit: Flickr
Eating chaat from a roadside stall is a culture in Kanpur. Whether you are a visitor or a Kanpur native, we guarantee many of your mem ories would be shaped around enjoying chaat and panipuri during hot evenings in the city. While having chaat at any of the shops is an experience in itself, the locals swear by one Dubeyji Chaat Waley in Hatia bazaar in the city. The historic shop is about 100-year-old and has been satisfying the palates since then.
Paan At Various Roadside Kiosks
Image Credit: Flickr
Now who goes to Kanpur and doesn’t leave a space in the tummy for their famed paans? Yes, even after all those sweet treats, having a paan in Kanpur is as obvious as wearing a sweater in Delhi winters. While there is no one shop that can take the credit as the best paan shop in the city as paan is held sacrosanct by most places selling it, the locals say that Mall Road and the shops lined there attract the more hipster visitors. But for those who want the more rustic (read authentic) flavour look no further than Birhana Road. From frozen paan to pineapple paan you will be spoilt for choice in Kanpur. Don’t tell us that we didn’t warn you that you may come back a pound heavier from Kanpur!
