December ’25 Qaiserbagh

Photos by Co-host, Lubna Khan.

HOST

Ayushi Sinha

CO-HOST

Lubna khan

WHERE WE MET

Naimat Khana in Lucknow is a hidden-bungalow-style gem serving homely Awadhi cuisine with warmth and finesse, perfect for anyone looking to savour tradition in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.

What Members Said

Loved meeting everyone today! There were yummy dishes and sweet souls across the table. Special thanks to the wonderful hosts Ayushi and Lubna.

Aman

Everything was perfect—the samosa, the hot chocolate, and especially that cake were to die for. Thank you for making the day so amazing.

Shambhavi

Well done hosts Ayushi and Lubna, what a wonderful gathering we had!

Manjari

What We Loved

Ghughni Samosa—crisp samosas filled with ghughni, a spiced yellow pea curry common in eastern India, used as a street food filling.

A sweet “draw yourself as a food or drink” chart where everyone got to doodle, turning personality into ingredients.

Chicken tikka, because what is a Lucknow street food themed meetup without it?

MEET YOUR HOST

Ayushi Sinha was born and brought up in Lucknow. A fashion designer by profession, her true love language is food, and cooking is more of a wind down ritual than a hobby for her. Lucknow, named the creative city for Gastronomy by Unesco, has always fascinated her with its different cuisines and cultures. Through the Local Food Club she hopes to meet and connect with like minded people in her city who share her passion for food.

What does ‘local’ mean to you?

Having late night tea and bun makkhan at any local tapri in my city. It’s a very Lucknawi thing to go out for late night tea and bun makkhan strolls—to chat and connect with friends.

What is the most adventurous food you've tried and loved?

Minced meat gravy kebab known as Majlisi kebab. To me, kebabs usually meant solid ones, before I tried and loved this gravy filled one.

If you were a seasonal ingredient, what would you be?

I think I’d be karonda, which is tangy and sour in the beginning but eventually turns sweet as the berry matures over time.

What comfort do you reach for when you are unwell?

My comfort food is Chuda Matar which is a variation of Poha but cooked in the Varanasi region with peas, ginger, and lots of ghee.

How do you see your Local Food Club flourishing?

People in Lucknow seem to have a connection over food, so hopefully they join us to make it a bigger family. Lucknow takes time to accept things, but once it does there is no going back. Hopefully the city warms up to this concept soon.