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Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

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

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a select list of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it enters a worldwide network of over 400 metropolises across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "artistic expression as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The accolade "is a testament to its profound culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem," as stated by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city is little surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, bustling, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is finally in the limelight for what has consistently shaped its essence: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

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

These royal kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, merging Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

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

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent 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 fresh harvests but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on countless corners, there are little shops and kiosks – hidden gems that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a simple joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and complicated. The artisan beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however express concern that their children are unwilling to master the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will motivate more people around the world to explore these tales and visit the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.