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This year, Lucknow heads into Diwali with a new title. UNESCO designated it a Creative City of Gastronomy on October 31, 2025, just after last year's festival, so this is the city's first Diwali as a UNESCO food city.
Dhanteras falls on November 6 and Diwali on Sunday, November 8. So, here we bring to you a list of the best sweet shops in Lucknow. All you need to know about where to shop in Lucknow, whether your family swears by tradition or wants something new on the table.
Ram Asrey opened in Baanwali Gali in Chowk in 1805 and is still the first name people mention for malai gilori, also called malai paan. The sweet became a popular stand-in for paan, which the Nawabs were advised to avoid. It's soft, creamy and made for gifting.
Location: Ban Wali Gali, Chowk. There's also a branch in Hazratganj on Naval Kishore Road, near Leela Theatre.
For a heritage name with a wide range, head to Madhurima. The shop is said to have opened in 1825 and offers Diwali gift hampers and sugar-free options. It's one of the easiest places to put together a full gifting box in one visit.
Location: Multiple Outlets across Lucknow
Founded in 1926, Classic Radhey Sweets is synonymous with festivals in Lucknow. Its Diwali range is built around pure desi ghee sweets, with special kaju laddoos and dry-fruit gifting options for those who want something beyond mithai.
Location: Mahanagar
This is the stop when presentation matters as much as the sweet. Chhappan Bhog pairs traditional mithai with modern packaging and is known for its premium festive boxes. Its chhena kheer is a long-standing favourite, so add a tub to your order.
Location: Apna Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Cantonment
Lucknow's favourite dessert café has taken on mithai, with playful results. Its recent Diwali menus have featured fusion coconut laddoos, mewa bites, kaju katli, and even a limited-edition mithai pizza. The brand's Diwali artisanal range has also listed a coffee kaju katli, a smooth cashew fudge infused with coffee. It's a good gift for guests who say they don't like mithai. It has applied the same approach to festivals before, with a thandai gujiya at Holi.
Location: Multiple Outlets
So, what is your pick this year? Whether you're gifting classic or going fusion, Lucknow has a Diwali sweet for every table. Shubh Deepavali!