Winter is coming and with it the delectable winter treats of Lucknow! While there are many food specialties to indulge in when the mercury dips, nothing compares to Malai Makhan.
So what is the Malai Makhan? Malai translates to cream and makhan to butter, thus malai makhan can be best described as creamed butter. Unsalted butter is hung in a vat or a bucket overnight, under the open sky for it to be soaked in the dew. This is then gently beaten, giving it a light, thin as air texture.
One bite of this rich, creamy, silken magic and a true blue Lucknowite is transported to her childhood, immediately reminiscing the days you would wait for the makhan malai wala to come on his bicycle with vats full of your favourite winter delicacy.
WHERE TO GO FOR MALAI MAKHAN IN LUCKNOW?
You will still find vendors selling it door-to-door now, and families patronise the ones frequenting their locality. But there are also some well known places in the city where you can go for the best Malai Makhan.
1. Outside Gole Darwaza, Chowk
During early hours, you will find people lining up outside Gole Darwaza to get their share of Malai Makhan. There are over 10 vendors who sit outside, with their containers, covered with a conical glass cover. The Malai Makhan is usually flavoured with saffron, subtly so, and is topped up with a generous amount of chopped nuts. Though the area is thronged by crowds on any given day, Malai Makhan can be relished there itself, served in a mitti sakora. But if you prefer to have it in the peace and tranquility of your home, you can get it packed in a disposable plate.
Price: 360/kg
Timings: Starts as early as 6 a.m. till stocks last. Usually the vendors wind up their day’s business by afternoon.Location: Outside Gole Darwaza, Chowk
2. Chhappan Bhog
Some people swear by the quality and taste of this famous sweet house and when it comes to this delicacy, Chhappan Bhog has a huge patronage.
Price: Rs. 560 / kg
Timings: 8.30 a.m. to 12 noon
Location: 311-312, Apna Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Cantonment
