Places to eat in Kanpur

Our real exploration of Kanpur began in our 5th year when we had our stipend to spend so hopefully this article will prove helpful to all the foodies out there. Surprisingly(and I really mean this) there are a number of terrific places to eat in Kanpur. Hopefully this article will prove helpful to many who are looking forward to spend their stipends.

By far the best way to reach places to eat in Kanpur is to catch the bus that the institute provides. The bus runs everyday(except Sunday) at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The bus returns at around 10:15 pm. Murgi(Our food and snacks Coordinator, every wing should have one) always takes the phone number of the conductor so that he can stay updated about where the bus is and so that the return is convenient. The bus service is really a life saver and unless you have a bike should be the first option. It is also better to roam during weekdays than weekends simply because there is lesser ruckus everywhere. Going to a restaurant on a weekend is an absolute pain. You get better food and better service on weekdays. Now that we have travel out of the way let us proceed to the food.

First and foremost is Baba Foods which we commonly refer to as Baba Biryani. Baba Biryani serves by far the best Biryani in Kanpur. His Chawal is extraordinary to say the least. His menu is uncomplicated so if you are out with a large group(3-4 people) you can practically try out everything. Avoid the Butter Chicken and the Roomalis. Stick to the rice. Prefer the Chicken Tikka Rice over the Biryani. It is better to catch the 8:00 pm bus for eating at Baba because he usually runs out of the Chicken Tikka Rice later on. If you don’t mind eating chicken during Navrat then this is the best time to visit the place as there is hardly any crowd and the service is faster than the usual fast. Baba Biryani is closed on Tuesdays as are most places that serve Non Veg. There are two branches one in Swaroop Nagar and the other in Pared(near the railway station). The Pared one serves better Raita than the one in Swaroop Nagar but the Swaroop Nagar has more variety. The Pared one has a lassi shop right next to it which serves to complete the meal you just had. Baba Biryani is by far Chintoo’s, Piyush’s and my favorite place to eat.

Right next to Baba Foods in Swaroop Nagar is the famous Thaggu ke Laddu. His Badnam Kulfi is fabulous. Unlike most other Kulfis its whipped rather than just frozen and so it has a slightly Rabri like texture. The ladoos are ideal for taking home because they last a long time and might be the closest thing to Kanpur’s speciality. He also keeps white ladoos(of which I don’t remember the name) but it is best to avoid them.

Kanpur is also home to Banarsi ke ladoo which serves the best Boondi ke Ladoo that I have ever had. The ladoos are fabulous. Don’t go there during festivals though. The place will most certainly be a mess and from what I have heard you will need to place orders beforehand.

For the Vegans there is Aromas also in Swaroop Nagar. He serves pizzas and burgers along with some Chinese food. The best way to visit Swaroop Nagar is for the Non Veg guys to eat at Baba and the others to eat at Aromas. Because both have fast service you get out at the same time. This is Murgi’s favorite place to eat by the way(The very mention of Aroma’s brightens his day). Right next to Aroma’s is a place that has no name mentioned anywhere(Actually there is but you really have to look for it) but it serves good Bhelpuri(as good as can be in Kanpur)

Swaroop Nagar is also home to Makhan Singh ki Biryani. His rice is nowhere as good as Baba’s so if you want to eat Biryani, it’s wise to stick to Baba. However what he does serve are excellent Kababs. You will also be amazed at the size of Makhan. It must be the smallest shop in Swaroop Nagar but there are cars lined up all the time ordering food. The owner just stands there shouting orders and keeping track of the money. It ought to be a lesson in management.

In terms of restaurants Antarang in Rave 3 is by far the finest restaurant in Kanpur. Antarang is always consistent and dependable. There is a singer who sings remarkably like Jagjit Singh. He also serves liquor for those who like to mix it up. His mocktails are great as well.(I like Virgin Colada). The desserts are great as well. Hot Brownie with Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream are great. The moong dal halwa used to be great but has been falling flat on recent occasions. Chicken Chettinad is something that we often order. As a bonus the restaurant also has the finest ambience in Kanpur. Antarang is where we usually go for treats of any kind. This by the way is Himanshu’s favorite place to eat. Parents, Bhai he has shown them all the delights of Antarang

Flames in Swaroop Nagar is a place that I can’t make head or tail of. They serve spectacular food on occasions but at other times fall utterly flat. You have to hope you get lucky in Flames.

Tadka and Palette in Rave Moti are only good when there are a few number of people. They tend to make a mess of things once there are a large number of people. Also avoid eating at Little Chef at all costs.

Hucka is a place frequented by most people. The huckas provide variety, but personally I am not a big fan. However if you do decide on going there do try the three pepper potato(starter). Also order pineapple raita and Mirchi Paratha(Its an awesome combination). Anaichas sort of lost in the last year. Their food used to be good.

For the Vegans, there is Gyan Vaishnav, in Gumti Number 5. Don’t go by the ambience and try the place out. Try to get to the place early because otherwise it is packed. It is act of foolishness to go to Gyan Vaishnav on a Tuesday. Stick to the basics and don’t order anything fancy. Order Roti Dal(Must) and Sabji. Baingan Ka Bharta is recommended. Also order the kheer. Ensure that you order the kheer beforehand because they get over extremely fast.

Last but far far from the least is a little pan shop called Monkey Chaurasia (Note the monkey is essential, there is a duplicate Chaurasia along the road. The Monkey Chaurasia advertises Mountain Dew). It falls on the side of the medical shops between Gol Chauraha and Swaroop Nagar. Have the Meetha pan. Have more than one in fact. This is the perfect end to a meal.

That about sums up the places to eat. I haven’t tried to make it exhaustive in any sense and have  mentioned only the places that we actually frequented. On a totally unrelated note try going bowling and playing pool at landmark with friends. Its a great experience. Bowling is better than pool.