Winters have passed, and the scorching heat of the summer months is back. Sadly, we also had to say farewell to winter delicacies with winters behind us. But that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce about them. On that point, let’s talk about easily the best winter delight of Lucknow- The Ever famous Malai Makhan of Lucknow. This delightful winter delight of Lucknow is available in almost all the gullies of old Lucknow. While there are a variety of food delicacies to enjoy as the temperature drops, nothing compares to Malai Makhan in terms of flavour and richness.
So, what exactly is the Malai Makhan?
Malai is the Hindi word for cream, and Makhan is the word for butter; hence malai Makhan is best characterized as creamed butter. In order to allow the unsalted butter to soak up the dew, it is left out overnight in a vat or a bucket outside in the open air. This is then softly beaten, resulting in a texture that is as light as air and as thin as air.
One bite of this rich, creamy, silken magic and a true blue Lucknowite is transported back to her childhood, recalling the days when you would stand outside your house waiting for the Makhan malai wala to arrive on his bicycle with vats full of your favourite winter delicacy to be delivered to your door.
Makhan Malai is one of the most famous sweet dishes in Lucknow. Its cloud-like consistency lets it dissolve in your mouth in no time due to its airy, sweet, fluffy, and cloud-like nature. Rather than just serving a dish, the winter speciality takes the diner on a journey through the intricate process that goes into creating it.
Each bite of the Makhan malai has the culmination of milk, cream, and an assortment of sauces that have been prepared with care and passion. The meal, which is only available during the winter months, has a mysterious connection to the season.
What is the process of making Makhan malai?
The foggy and airy Makhan malai is created through a time-consuming procedure that necessitates tenderness and patience. As the makhan is sifted through the malai with the help of hands pushing across a rudimentary blender, a rhythmic movement is formed. This procedure transforms milk into freshly created butter that has literally been handcrafted. Sugar, cardamom powder, and yellow food colouring are sprinkled on top of the portion to give it a little extra flavour. The final step in the preparation of this winter dish is to let it simmer overnight so that all of the ingredients may combine and create a burst of flavour. At the crack of dawn, it is left to breathe and set in the dew of the morning, which gives it an extra layer of flavour.
In Lucknow, where can you get it?
Makhan malai is frequently accessible in Lucknow, and it is delicious. On the other hand, the best may be found in Chowk, near the old Gol Darwaza. During the early morning hours, the enticing sounds of Azaan may be heard calling for ‘fajr namaaz,’ which is a signal to begin preparations for the winter special. The traditional Lucknow dish of Makhan malai may also be found in the city’s historic districts, such as Aminabad and Nakhhas.
What is it about Malai Makhan that makes it a must-have?
Nafasat (softness) and the old-world charm that comes with it are infused into the design of Lakhnavi Makhan malai, making it unique. The remaining flavours provide a glimpse of heaven, which we desire might be extended for a longer time. When visiting Lucknow for the winters, or even if you’re a local, eating Makhan malai is a must, so put it on your to-do list for the following winter.
Even today, you may still find vendors selling it door-to-door, and trust us, there is no feeling better than enjoying a bowl full of Malai Makhan while lounging in the winter sun on your terraces. Also, buying from these small vendors that sell it door to door is a good bonus deed. However, there are a few well-known establishments in the city where you may get the greatest Malai Makhan in the town.
1. In front of the Gole Darwaza, in the Chowk
You’ll find folks lining up outside Gole Darwaza in the early morning hours to get their hands on a bowl of the famous dish. Over ten merchants set up shop outside with their containers covered with a conical glass cover to protect them from the elements and flies.
Saffron is generally used to flavour the Malai Makhan, but only in a subtle way, and the dish is topped with a considerable amount of chopped nuts and dry fruits. Despite the fact that the region is thronged with people on any given day, Malai Makhan can be enjoyed right there in the vicinity, served in a mitti kulhad. However, suppose you prefer to eat it in the privacy and comfort of your own home. In that case, you may have it delivered on a disposable plate. The sale of this delicacy starts as early as 6 a.m. and continues till the stock last. Typically, the vendors finish up their day’s stock by the afternoon.
Approximate Price per kilogram: Rs. 360/-
Location: Outside the Gole Darwaza, near the Chowk
2. Chhappan Bhog (Chhappan Bhog)
Some people will only eat at this well-known sweet house because they believe it has the best quality and taste, and when it comes to the Malai Makhan, Chhappan Bhog enjoys a large degree of popularity among customers. This dish is available from 8:30 in the morning until 12:00 in the afternoon. At each and every Chappan Bhog location.
Price per kilogram: Rs. 560
Places such as 311-312, Apna Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Cantonment, and other locations are affected.
Make it a point to try some of the delicacy if you are in the city of nawabs in the month of winter, whether you are a resident of the area or just passing through. When you want to get the whole Lucknow experience, have some of this heavenly delight in the mornings when it’s freezing outside.