With winters just around the corner, the city of Lucknow becomes the perfect destination to indulge in some good food. But what’s extremely special about the city of Nawabs is its tradition to celebrate with desserts. Be it a party, house gathering or any occasion, big or small, the mouthwatering desserts of Lucknow find their place in the hearts of the people.

Here are 7 winter desserts of Lucknow that should be on your must have list:

1. Imarti Rabdi: it’s a chilly winter morning in Lucknow and someone just got you imarti rabdi. Is there a love language better than this? Lucknowites have a special place in their heart for searing hot crunchy imartis. These when paired with cold rabdi is a match made in heaven and a taste your tongue won’t be able to forget for ages.

Best places to eat at: Rattilal’s, Netram, Madhurima Sweets and Restaurant

2. Shahi Tukda: Shahi Tukda literally translates to royal morsel. Although the recipe for this is said to be present since the 80s, the modern form demands deep fried slices of bread to be dipped in sugar syrup and then coated generously with thick rabdi. It is then topped with saffron, cardamom powder and rose water to give a nice aroma and taste.

Best places to eat at: Mughal Zaika, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Zakaria Street

3. Makkhan Malai: What Daulat ki Chaat is to Delhi is Makkhan Malai to Lucknow. It’s not just a dessert, it’s a cloud that made of amazing stuff that melts in your mouth instantly. Makkhan malai is milk foam topped with rabri, warq, cardamom powder and pistachio. The perfect winter indulgence!

Best places to eat at: Chowk area, Jalal Makhan Wala

4. Dahi Jalebi: When in Uttar Pradesh, you cannot miss talking about the iconic dahi jalebi combination. It is said that eating a plate of hot jalebis in the morning can cure a sore throat and no wonder, Lucknowites throng to their favourite dahi jalebi spots in winters to get a plate or two.

Best places to eat at: Netram, Chhappan Bhog, Rattilal’s

5. Paan Gilouri: Paan Gilouri or Malai Gilouri is a dessert of Lucknow that traces its origin back to the time of Nawabs. This famous dessert of the city uses malai instead of the traditional betel sheet to encapsulate the ingredients. The delicacy is quite popular among tourists and the perfect dessert to enjoy in the chilly winters.

Best places to eat at: Ram Asrey, Chhappan Bhog

6. Gajar Halwa: Although gajar ka halwa is a popular Indian dessert eaten during winters throughout the country, many places in Lucknow make it exceptionally well making it a top indulgence for localites.

Best places to eat at: Mahalaxmi Sweets and Restaurant, Moti Mahal Restaurant, Parampara, Mohan

7. Khoya Laddoo: No occasion is complete without a box of laddoos. And Lucknow’s famous khoya laddoos top the list. Soft laddoos made of khoya and dry fruits are a great combination with warm milk in winters to provide heat to the body. These also come in multiple flavours.

Best places to eat at: Laddu Chanakya, Radhey Lal Parampara Sweets, Rattilal’s

What are your favourite winter special desserts in Lucknow?