We all love those winter nights, driving pass the city’s lit monuments, taking in the crisp winter air and stopping for a hot liquid to warm ourselves up. While the pink tea or Kashmiri Chai and coffee are popular options, try the kadhai wala doodh on your next drive out. Kadhai wala Doodh or Kesar Doodh is widely available in Lucknow and makes for the perfect accompaniment to late winter evenings.
WHAT
Kadhai wala Doodh is made from milk simmered over low flame for hours, along with ground almonds, pistachios, cashews and saffron. The milk is simmered in wide-bottom woks or kadhai and is constantly stirred, so as to avoid being burnt. It is best enjoyed in a kulhad, topped with generous spoonful of malai and garnished with nuts.
Though kadhai wala doodh is available in many, many places in the city, especially the old parts of the city such as Gol Darwaza in Chowk, NL recommends the following:
TANDON TEA STALL
This stall is more than 45 years old and is now managed by the third generation. At any given point of time, you will find throngs of people waiting to be served. Though the stall also sells the doodh in disposable glasses, we love the taste of it in the kulhad.
Price: Rs. 45 a glass
Timings: 7 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Address: Burlington Chauraha, Hussainganj, Lucknow
DILIP MISHTHAN BHANDAR
Another 40 year old shop, this stall sells kadhai wala doodh throughout the year, but the best time to have it is winter, of course!
Price: Rs. 25 a glass
Timings: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 7th Lane, Nishat Ganj, Lucknow
PAL DAIRY
This small dairy at Narhi specializes in all kinds of milk products, but their kadhai wala doodh has wowed us. Made from cow’s milk, the milk is delicious and frothy.
Price: Rs. 20 a glass
Timings: 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Location: Near Zoo Gate No. 1, Narhi Market, Narhi, Lucknow
PANDEY’S STALL
The father-son duo at this stall have been selling kadhai wala doodh since over 20 years, though they have only just recently set up shop at this bustling junction. What is their specialty, you ask? Well, the milk for the beverage comes from their own cows – that way they ensure the milk is pure and hygienic.
Price: Rs. 20
Timings: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Next to Manish Eating Point, Patakarpuram Chauraha, Gomtinagar, Lucknow
