For over fifty years, Lucknow's mornings have begun at this counter — strong kulhad chai, pillowy bun maska and conversations that stretch longer than the queue.
Long before cafes became a trend, Sharma Ji's little stall near Novelty Cinema was Lucknow's original adda. Office-goers, students, rickshaw-pullers and film-goers — everyone has stood at this counter with a kulhad in hand.
The recipe has never changed: full-cream milk simmered slow, tea leaves added at just the right moment, and a whisper of elaichi. Pair it with our bun maska — soft, buttery, toasted on the griddle — and you have the breakfast Lalbagh has sworn by for two generations.
Simple, honest and unchanged for decades — this is Lalbagh food at its most comforting.
Slow-brewed milk chai served in an earthen kulhad — our signature since the seventies.
Soft bun, generous butter, lightly toasted on the tawa. Lucknow's favourite chai partner.
Crisp, hot samosa with spiced aloo filling and tangy chutney.
Our classic chai with extra cardamom — the winter favourite.
Samosa tucked inside a buttered bun — the old Lucknow way.
Winter-only saffron milk froth — a Lucknow delicacy, when in season.
Real moments from our counter, kitchen and tables in Lalbagh, Lucknow.
A few reasons Lalbagh keeps coming back to us.
Two generations of Lucknow have grown up on this exact cup of chai.
Earthen kulhads and full-cream milk — no shortcuts, ever.
Rated by chai lovers who call this the best chai in Lalbagh, Lucknow.
The easiest adda to reach in Lalbagh — stop by anytime.
Unfiltered love from the people who eat with us every week.
“Kulhad chai and bun maska at 7 AM, standing by the road — this is the real Lucknow. Nothing fancy, everything perfect.”
“My father brought me here, now I bring my kids. Same chai, same warmth, same Sharma ji smile.”
“Twenty rupees for the best kulhad chai in Lucknow. I stop here every single morning before office.”
Everything you need to know before you visit or order from Sharma Ji Ki Chai.
We open at 6:00 AM every morning and serve until 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Early mornings are when the kulhad chai is freshest and the bun maska comes straight off the tawa — most Lalbagh regulars will tell you sunrise is the best time to visit.
Two things: our kulhad chai, brewed the same way for over fifty years, and the bun maska that goes with it. The combination is a Lalbagh institution — students, office-goers and old-timers all stop by for it daily near Novelty Cinema.
It is a classic standing tea stall, the way Lucknow's best addas have always been. Most guests enjoy their kulhad at the counter or on the benches outside. The chai arrives in minutes, and many regulars happily call it their favourite open-air cafe in Lalbagh.
For offices and small gatherings in Lalbagh and Hazratganj, we prepare flasks of chai and bun maska trays on order. Call or WhatsApp us with quantities a few hours ahead, and we will have everything packed and ready for pickup.
We are easy to reach — call, WhatsApp or just walk in.
| Monday – Sunday | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Sharma Ji Ki Chai, Near Novelty Cinema, Lalbagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
A short walk from Novelty Cinema, Lalbagh