Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh is from the state of Uttar Pradesh located in Central-South Asia and Northern India), and the cooking patterns of the state are similar to those of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Northern India. The cuisine consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Uttar Pradesh has been greatly influenced by Mughal cooking techniques. The Awadhi cuisine of Uttar Pradesh bears similarities to those of Kashmir and Punjab, and the state is famous for its Nawabi foods (of Lucknow and environs) and use of mutton, paneer, and rich spices including cardamom and saffron. Its most famous dishes include kebabs, Dum Biryani, and various Mutton recipes. The samosa and pakora, among the most popular snacks in all of India, are also originally from Uttar Pradesh. Awadhi is a type of West-Central Uttar Pradeshi cuisine found in the state's Awadh Region. Mughlai cuisine is also integral to Western and Central Uttar Pradesh's cuisine.
Popular dishes from Uttar Pradesh
Zamin Doz Macchli (fish stuffed with spices and sealed in earthenwre case which is then cooked for 8 hours)
Murg Mussallam (whole chicken with variety of spices)
Lukhnawi Biryani (slightly fried Rice preparation with mutton)
Dum Bhindi (Fried whole okra stuffed with spiced potato filling)
Gobhi Mussallam
Sultani Dal
Rizala
Shami Kabab (includes tangy green mango)
Palak Paneer
Kakori Kabab (similar to Seekh Kabab)
Pasanda Kabab (skewered boneless mutton)
Pasanda Paneer (similar to Paneer Makhani or butter paneer(Indian cheese))
Samosa
Shab Deg (a winter dish, turnips and mutton balls with saffron)
Paneer Pakora & of various vegetables
Kofta
Tehri (vegetarian rice dish with spices and mixed vegetables that popular amongst Hindus)
Korma
Kachori
Pakora
Raita
Nahari
Shorba (soup)
Traditional Desserts
Gujia (like a samosa though filled with sweetened thickened milk (khoya))
Gulab Jamun
Kheer
Qulfi
Halwa (sweet pudding)
Sheer Qorma
Ghewar
Imarti
Petha
Popular drinks from Uttar Pradesh
Sharbats is a popular juice in Uttar Pradesh. There are many types of sharbats, including:
Gurahl Sharbat (hibiscus)
Lemon Sharbat
Rose Sharbat
Khas ka Sharbat
Other drinks include:
Lassi
Rayta
Ruh-Afza (rose water beverage)
Bread
As wheat is the staple food of the state, breads are very significant. Breads are generally flat breads; only a few varieties are raised breads. The breads may be made of different types of flour and can be made in various ways. Popular breads include the Tandoori Naan, or naan baked in a tandoor, tandoori roti, kulcha, taftan, sheermal, millet (millet flour flatbread), and lachha paratha.