Lucknow is the city of Nawabs.Alongwith the culture, tradition and
architecture, Nawabi food became world famous from Lucknow.However like all
cities of India, Lucknowites ahve a big craze for Chinese food as well.My
parents and relatives tell me that even in 60’s and 70’s Chinese dishes
were very famous in Lucknow.Accordingly my generation who grew up on
Lucknowi Kababs and Biryani also developed a craze for Chinese food right
from the very beginning.
In the past there were some famous chinese
restaurants in the city which served good chinese stuff.As a kid the first
name that comes to my mind is Jone Hing.This small but arguably the most
authentic Chinese restaurant is situated in the heart of Hazratganj-the
main market of Lucknow.It is run by Chinese people and so one is assured of
the correct taste and blend of the dishes.I remember when I was very small
my grandmother used to take me to Jonehing after my grandfather’s car was
free in the lunch break.I would take hours to decide whether I would have
the food there or pack it for home, much to the irritation of grandma and
causing problems to the driver as well.Another confusion which was there
was whether I should have Chilly Chicken or Mutton Chilly.My father tells
me that when he started earning he used to take his younger siblings and
cousins to Jone Hing and he tells me that a plate of Noodles would cost
rs.5 only.That was in 1976!!When he got married to my Mom, Jonehing was
still the favourite hangout.Watch a movie in a theatre in Hazratganj and
then go to Jone-Hing for dinner, that was an ideal weekend.Infact my cousin uncle used to take his girlfriends on date to Jone hing.If his siblings used to threaten him that they would report about this to my grandfather, he would bribe them by giving them a treat in JoneHing!!!!!!!
When we grew up a little, Jonehing was still the most famous
Chinese hangout in the city.I have lost track of the number of times Dad
used to take us there for dinner on Saturdays.However after say 1988 the
craze for Jone hing was reduced.The reason was the quality had dropped and
some better Chinese restaurants had come up.The last time I remember going
to Jone-Hing was in April 1991 when after our last final exams, my chachaji
took us for lunch to Jone-hing straight from school, After that we still
remained in contact with it as the cook and staff was called at home for
some parties and once for my Chachaji’s birthday.The food was back to its
original taste.
In the late 90’s due to the opening of Kool Break, our
contact with Jone Hing became minimum.While being in hostel in Bangalore one of my closest friends told me that
even though many good places have come up yet there is no matvh for
Jonehing.I heard from a lot of people that after a low phase JoneHing has
again regained its old glory.Although I have not had the opportunity to be
there recently but even the old timers in my family who went their after
many years fell in love with thye place all over again.
The soups are specilal, however I must say that the Chicken soups are
much better here than the vegetarian ones.Chicken sweet Corn and Chicken
Hot and Sour are the favourites.One can munch on the lovely spring rolls
for starters.The spring rolls are equally good even if u have the
vegetarian ones.For the main course Chowmein and Noodles are still the
favourite.The taste, blend and look are just so yummy.However for the side
dish there is a lot of controversy(just joking).Chilly Chicken and Mutton
Chilli are 2 dishes to die for in Jone Hing.They are just too good.However
Mutton Chilli is more crisp than Chicken.So one can order
accordingly.Mutton Chiili dry is better whereas Chilli chicken is better
with gravy.
Jonehing has slightly dim lighting as compared to some other restaurants
but the ambience is just perfect for a chinese meal.American Coupsey is
another perrenial favourite.The red gravy and crsipy fried noodles make it
class apart.As in most places the chicken choupsey is served with a fried
egg on the top.THe Chinese Choupsey has a greenish thick gravy and is
equally good.The portions are good and the service from what I got to know has improved.
Such is the craze of Jonehing in my family that when one of my Bua-aunt comes to Lucknow from Bangkok she still asks for Mutton Chilli from Jonehing!!
I firmly recommend JoneHing to all the chinese lovers.People who belong to
Lucknow are bound to know about it but I suggest even people visting the
city to have a meal at JoneHing and post some comments.