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Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and tourists alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, Unesco honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious roster of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a global network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "demonstrates its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic culinary scene," as stated by a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of 70 cities internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this venerable city comes as little surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, bustling, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is finally in the global gaze for what has consistently characterized its heart: an unparalleled love for food.

"'What will be cooked, the method of preparation' is a continued dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, fusing Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. The story goes that the galouti kebab was created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a vast array of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not just about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates fresh harvests but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on many street corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden treasures that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a no-frills joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 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).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and complicated. The artisan beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On chilly mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however note that their children are unwilling to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its hidden eateries.

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

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