Kanpur, the industrial hub of Uttar Pradesh, isn’t just known for its leather and textile industries—it’s also famous for its street food culture, where the humble samosa enjoys a legendary status. Walk through any bustling lane of Kanpur and you’ll catch the irresistible aroma of crispy golden samosas frying in bubbling oil. From traditional potato-filled samosas to quirky fusion innovations, the city offers a fascinating spectrum of flavors that make it a true samosa capital of India.
1. Pappu Samose Waley (Birhana Road, General Ganj)
If there’s one place that defines Kanpur’s innovation with samosas, it has to be Pappu Samose Waley since 1984. Unlike the regular aloo samosa, this stall is known for offering over 13 types of samosas with fillings like pizza, Italian pasta, noodles, cheese-corn, malai paneer, matar-mushroom, and even chocolate.
2. Munna Samosa (Nehru Nagar & Sisamau Bazar)
A name that evokes nostalgia for generations of Kanpur residents, Munna Samosa has been serving crispy delights for over five decades. Known for its perfectly crisp outer shell and consistent flavor, Munna Samosa specializes in both classic aloo samosas and creative versions like paneer-corn, pizza, chili paneer, and Manchurian samosas.
3. Saheb Samosa (Ashok Nagar)
A favorite among locals, Saheb Samose is cherished for its spicy potato stuffing and crispness that lasts for hours. It may not have the fancy fusion fillings, but it delivers the kind of no-nonsense samosa that Kanpurites swear by.
4. La-jawab Samosa (Gandhi Nagar)
La-Jawab Samosa, located in Gandhi Nagar, Kanpur, is a well-loved spot for locals who swear by its crisp, golden samosas that truly live up to the name “La-Jawab” (meaning incomparable). The place is known for serving piping hot samosas with perfectly spiced potato filling, paired with tangy chutneys that elevate the taste.
5. Laxmi Samosa Bhandar (Shastri Nagar)
Laxmi Samosa Bhandar is a well-known local eatery famous for its crisp, golden samosas that have been delighting food lovers for years. The samosas here are typically filled with a spiced potato mixture, often accompanied by tangy chutneys that elevate the flavor.
