Jain Chaat Bhandar is an iconic vegetarian chaat spot in Lalbagh, Lucknow known for its timeless street- food flavours and crowd-pulling evening vibe. The shop was begun around the mid- 1980s when Santosh Kumar Jain moved from Tikait Nagar (Barabanki) to set up a small chaat stall near the main Lalbagh crossroads — the exact date isn’t documented publicly, but local food history credits its start to roughly 35 years ago His idea was simple: prove that great chaat could be made without onions, garlic, or ginger to respect Jain dietary rules, and still be crave-worthy. Today it’s run by his sons Sanjeev Jain and Raju Jain, who’ve kept dad’s flavour philosophy alive while serving new generations of chaat lovers. The menu here is classic North Indian chaat, served with zest and flair: plate-fulls of papdi chaat, aloo tikki chaat, matar chaat, dahi badas,gol gappe (pani puri ) and other tangy favourites. Everything strikes that perfect balance of sweet chutney, zesty spices, and crisp textures, making evenings in Lalbagh a delightfully messy, delicious affair. The vibe is unpretentious and friendly, with regulars gathering from about 5 PM to 9 PM to grab their favourite chaat after work or while exploring the city’s street- food scene.

As the temperature drops and fog wraps the city in a soft embrace, Lucknow quietly slips into its most poetic season. Winter here is not announced by calendars, but by flavours. And none captures the essence of the season better than Makhan Malai, also lovingly known as Nimish. This delicate dessert is as much a craft as it is a tradition. Made only when the winter air is cold enough, fresh milk and thick malai are left to rest under the open night sky, allowing nature to do its work. At the break of dawn, the mixture is gently hand whipped for hours, infused with saffron and lightly sweetened, until it transforms into an impossibly airy, cloud like foam. Soft, fragrant, and fleeting, Makhan Malai melts on the tongue almost instantly, leaving behind a whisper of sweetness. Its charm lies in its rarity. You will find Makhan Malai only during winter, typically between November and February, and even then, only for a few hours each day. Vendors usually begin selling it around 8 AM, and by 4 PM, or sometimes much earlier, the day’s batch is gone. Once it sells out, it is gone until the next winter, making every serving feel special. The most authentic way to enjoy Makhan Malai is in the narrow lanes of Chowk and Old Lucknow, where generations of vendors continue the same age old process. Served in small bowls, often topped with finely chopped pistachios and almonds, it is best eaten standing on the roadside, wrapped in a shawl, watching the city wake up around you. More than just a dessert, Makhan Malai is a reminder of Lucknow’s relationship with time. It cannot be rushed, preserved, or replicated out of season. It exists only in the moment, shaped by the cold air, skilled hands, and centuries of culinary wisdom. At Indie Times Coverage, we celebrate these seasonal stories that define the soul of the city. From winter only delicacies to forgotten flavours, we bring you closer to the tastes that make Lucknow timeless.

Sharma Ji ki Chai- Sharma Ji Ki Chai, established in 1949, has been a beloved tea adda in Lalbagh, Lucknow, for three generations. Originally from Aligarh, the Sharma family brought their love for tea to the city, creating a legacy that continues to delight tea lovers today. First Generation: Shri Om Prakash Sharma laid the foundation, turning a humble tea stall into a local favourite. Second Generation: His son, Deepak Sharma, expanded the stall’s reputation, keeping the kadak chai, bun-makkhan, samosas, and mathri alive, while welcoming poets, students, and office-goers. Third Generation: Manav Sharma, grandson of Shri Om Prakash Sharma, now carries forward the family tradition, maintaining the flavours, tehzeeb, and charm for today’s Lucknowis. Over the years, Sharma Ji Ki Chai has hosted political leaders like former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former UP CMs Kalyan Singh & Rajnath Singh, as well as Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Raj Babbar, and Jyotiraditya Scindia. It has also welcomed Bollywood and culinary stars such as Sanjeev Kapoor, Raghnesh, Kartik Aaryan, and Ananya Panday – a testament to its legendary status. 📍 34, Trilok Nath Marg, Sushanpura (Lalbagh) ⏰ 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon–Sat) | 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun) Indie Times Coverage brings you closer to the corners of Lucknow where history, culture, and flavour meet. Sharma Ji Ki Chai is not just a tea stall – it’s a legacy in every cup.