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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, UNESCO honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive list of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it becomes part of a international community of cities urban centers across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "demonstrates its centuries-old culinary traditions and lively gastronomic culture," according to 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 seventy urban centers worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, lively, and diverse city – the capital of India's most populous state – is finally in the spotlight for what has perennially shaped its soul: an profound love for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing dialogue from waking up until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to exquisite 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 culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

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

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a repertoire 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 additionally a vegetarian's paradise.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only showcases fresh harvests but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Virtually on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden gems that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in kulhads, along with fluffy buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a no-frills joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was established, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also boasts special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and involved. The vendor beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though say that their children are reluctant to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's profound food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to busy restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will motivate more people worldwide to discover these tales and visit the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.