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Delectable kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and travelers equally swearing by its superb cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious roster of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it enters a global network of cities urban centers across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The honor "demonstrates its profound food heritage and lively gastronomic culture," according to a representative from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this venerable city comes as little surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, lively, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has consistently shaped its soul: an immense passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a continued discussion from morning until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and taken to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet 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 celebrates fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on many street corners, there are tiny kiosks and stalls – little-known treasures that are wildly popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can make their way to a simple joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but note that their younger generation are unwilling to learn the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense 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 create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will encourage more people around the world to explore these narratives and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.