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Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and visitors alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Last month, Unesco designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select roster of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it enters a global network of more than four hundred metropolises across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and dynamic food ecosystem," according to a spokesperson from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this historic city arrives as little surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, bustling, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the global gaze for what has always shaped its heart: an immense devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing conversation from waking up until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often assessed by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were developed. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a vegetarian's paradise.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only showcases seasonal produce but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known treasures that are immensely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a unpretentious joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still in great demand for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also presents unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The artisan beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some but note that their younger generation do not want to master the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – shaped by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will inspire more people around the world to explore these stories and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.