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Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and tourists alike swearing by its superb cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, UNESCO designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – adding it to a prestigious list of global cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it becomes part of a global network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "stands as proof of its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant gastronomic culture," as noted by 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 highly sought-after list of 70 cities internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The recognition for this historic city is no surprise to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the spotlight for what has always shaped its heart: an unparalleled devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a constant dialogue from waking up until going to bed in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and local 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. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the most significant contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

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

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just showcases fresh harvests but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – lesser-known delights that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from the crack of dawn at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, 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 unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is scientific and demanding. The cook hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however say that their younger generation are reluctant to learn the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy puts it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will inspire more people globally to explore these tales and experience the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.