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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and travelers alike swearing by its exquisite cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a select list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it enters a global network of cities metropolises across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "is a testament to its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," as stated by a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

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

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this historic city is no surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many share the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always characterized its heart: an immense devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a ongoing discussion from morning until night in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

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

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. The story goes that the galouti kebab was created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a haven for vegetarians.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights seasonal produce but also provides the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – lesser-known delights that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, served in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also presents special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is precise and complicated. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however say that their younger generation do not want to take up the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy puts 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 lesser-known eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will inspire more people globally to learn these tales and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.