Chowk
चौक
The commercial heart of the old city from the Nawabi era, where narrow lanes are lined with Chikankari embroidery, perfumes, silver-leaf sweets, and long-established snack shops.
Chowk is Lucknow's oldest market district, located south of the Bada Imambara. Its narrow lanes are packed with shops handed down through generations: wholesalers of Chikankari embroidered fabric, traditional attar perfumes, sweets decorated with silver leaf, kites, and handmade shoes. It is also a pilgrimage site for food lovers. The original Tunday Kababi, the nihari stew and kulcha bread at Rahim's, and the winter-only "malai" milk-cream dessert are all nearby. It is best to explore after visiting the Imambara in the morning, either on foot or by e-rickshaw. The lanes are narrow and crowded, so keep your belongings secure.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (most shops open on Sundays too)
Nearby sights
- Jama Masjid, Lucknow
- Chota Imambara
- Tunday Kababi
- Husainabad Clock Tower & Picture Gallery
- Satkhanda
- Bara Imambara
- Rumi Darwaza
- The Residency, Lucknow