Lucknow is known for its kebabs, biryanis, and Awadhi cuisine. But did you know that there is a Chinese eatery in the city that has hosted notable personalities such as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and actor Anupam Kher? Well, if you haven’t guessed already, then we are talking about Chung Fa in Mahanagar, Lucknow. For over four decades, this eatery has been serving delicious Chinese grub, and here’s why it deserves all your attention.
Chung Fa Lucknow: Where Nostalgia Is Served On A Plate
Chung Fa is one of Lucknow’s oldest and most iconic Chinese restaurants. It was established in 1981 and has been a local favourite for decades now. The eatery is known for its classic, old-school Chinese flavours and its crispy chilli potatoes, hot and sour soup, chow mein, and chilli chicken, all prepared in Indo-Chinese style, continues to attract foodies from all over the city.
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Chung Fa in Lucknow has a vintage charm, with its interiors and service reflecting a bygone era. It was founded by a Chinese couple who fled the Chinese civil war and sought refuge here. In an interview with Times Now, current owner Leon Chung shared that his grandparents started with the Simpsons restaurant, which was amongst the oldest Chinese restaurants in Lucknow, in 1968.
Leon Chung’s father took the plunge and decided to expand the restaurant and opened Chung Fa in Lucknow’s Mahanagar. Even today, the restaurant boasts of the old furnishing, a clock that was gifted to his father by his grandmother, and various knick-knacks that reflect Chinese culture.
The Eatery Where Former PM Enjoyed Chinese Grub
Besides the rich history, Lucknow’s Chung Fa also hosted some of the most well-known personalities in India. Even former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited this eatery when he was the Prime Minister of India! Celebrities like Anupam Kher and Aahana Kumra are among the many people who fell in love with the delectable food here.
Leon Chung also shared that movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi and Raat Akeli Hai were filmed in this famous restaurant. He shared that the restaurant’s old-school charm attracted the filmmakers, and it helped bring a younger crowd to the eatery!
Also Read: Pankaj Tripathi Enjoys Litti At This Hotel In Lucknow; Says, “Dil Ka Darwaza Pait Se Khulta Hai”
Have you visited this place? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/chungfa_pvt_ltd
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