"The Chowk Awadhi repertoire in an air-conditioned Hazratganj room — order the mutton galouti kebabs and the Lucknowi biryani for a first taste of the city."
About Dastarkhwan
Dastarkhwan brought Old Lucknow's Awadhi cooking out of the Chowk lanes and into a comfortable, air-conditioned room. The Hazratganj branch on Mahatma Gandhi Marg is the easiest entry point to the city's Mughlai canon: an English-language menu, table service and the same slow-cooked repertoire that built the group's name. It is the table to recommend to a first-time visitor who wants the real thing without negotiating the crowds of the old city.
The Kitchen
The headline is the mutton galouti kebab — the melt-in-the-mouth minced patty of Lucknow legend — alongside boti kebabs of charcoal-grilled mutton served with Mughlai paratha. The Lucknowi mutton biryani is the other order, layered and gently spiced rather than fiery, and shahi tukda closes the meal. Prices stay firmly in the everyday range — around ₹500–700 for two ($) — making this one of the city's best-value introductions to Awadhi cooking.
The Room
The room trades the theatre of the Chowk for comfort: air conditioning, proper seating and quick service built for families and office tables at lunch. It is busy and functional rather than refined, the lighting is bright and the turnover brisk. Come for the food and the ease, not for a hushed or romantic setting — this is a Lucknow institution doing high volume well.
Best for a relaxed solo dinner
For a solo plate of kebabs, a casual family meal or a first taste of Awadhi Lucknow, the Hazratganj Dastarkhwan is the easy choice: comfortable, quick and authentic. A natural solo-dining and team-lunch table.
Not for
Not for a quiet, romantic or special-occasion dinner — this is a busy, brightly lit, high-volume kebab house built for comfort and speed, not atmosphere.
Frequently Asked
Where is the Dastarkhwan Hazratganj branch?
Dastarkhwan's Hazratganj branch is on Mahatma Gandhi Marg in central Lucknow — an air-conditioned room with English menus, the easiest introduction to the group's Old Lucknow Awadhi cooking.
What should I order at Dastarkhwan?
Order the mutton galouti kebabs and boti kebabs with Mughlai paratha, the Lucknowi mutton biryani, and shahi tukda for dessert — the core of the Old Lucknow Chowk repertoire.
Is Dastarkhwan expensive?
No. A meal for two costs around ₹500–700 ($), making it one of Lucknow's best-value ways to eat authentic Awadhi and Mughlai food.
Is Dastarkhwan good for vegetarians?
It is primarily a meat-focused Awadhi kitchen built around kebabs and biryani; there are some vegetarian dishes, but the reason to come is the mutton.
Do I need a reservation at Dastarkhwan Hazratganj?
No reservation is needed — it is a walk-in, high-volume restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner, with quick table service.
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Practical Information
AddressMahatma Gandhi Marg, Hazratganj, Lucknow 226001
NeighbourhoodHazratganj
CuisineAwadhi, Mughlai
PriceAwadhi and Mughlai; everyday range, around ₹500–700 for two ($)
Dress CodeCasual
SeatingAir-conditioned dining room with table service
ReservationWalk-in; no reservations needed; open daily for lunch and dinner