Aligarh is a city located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. With a population of over 1 million people, it is one of the largest cities in the state. Aligarh is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine. The city is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, which has played a significant role in shaping its food and drink culture.
The people of Aligarh lead a relaxed life, with a focus on community and family values. The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many restaurants and cafes open late into the night. Meals are typically taken at regular intervals throughout the day, with breakfast being the most important meal. Lunch is usually eaten around noon, while dinner is eaten later in the evening. Snacks and street food are popular throughout the day, with small vendors selling a variety of dishes on the streets.
The cuisine of Aligarh is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, with influences from Mughal, Persian, and Awadhi cuisines. The city is famous for its kebabs, biryanis, and other meat-based dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Aligarh include:
1. Galouti Kebab - A popular meat-based dish made with minced meat, spices, and herbs. The meat is marinated overnight and then cooked on a hot grill. The dish is served with naan or roti.
2. Murgh Musallam - A traditional Mughal dish made with a whole chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices. The chicken is then roasted until tender and served with rice or naan.
3. Nihari - A slow-cooked meat stew made with beef or lamb, spices, and bone marrow. The dish is served with naan or kulcha.
4. Biryani - A rice-based dish made with meat, spices, and saffron. The meat is marinated overnight and then layered with rice and cooked in a pot.
5. Sheermal - A sweet bread made with flour, milk, sugar, and saffron. The bread is baked in a clay oven and served with kebabs or curries.
In addition to these dishes, Aligarh is also known for its street food. Some of the most popular street food items include:
1. Chaat - A snack made with crispy fried dough, potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. The dish is topped with tamarind chutney and yogurt.
2. Samosas - A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat.
3. Kachori - A deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils or peas.
4. Jalebi - A sweet dessert made by deep-frying a wheat flour batter into pretzel-like shapes and then soaking them in a sugar syrup.
Aligarh is also known for its drinks, including tea and lassi. Tea is a staple drink in Aligarh, and it is consumed throughout the day. The tea in Aligarh is made with milk, sugar, and spices, such as cardamom and cinnamon. Lassi is a yogurt-based drink that is popular throughout India. In Aligarh, lassi is often flavored with fruit, such as mango or strawberry.