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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like 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

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious group of world cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it enters a global network of cities cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its profound food heritage and lively food ecosystem," according to a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations around the world.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this historic city arrives as no surprise to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the spotlight for what has consistently shaped its soul: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a constant discussion from waking up until night in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

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

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, fusing Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire 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 additionally a vegetarian's paradise.

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

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and stalls – hidden gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a no-frills joint located 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).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also presents special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and involved. The artisan whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of though express concern that their children are reluctant to master the skill.

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

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will encourage more people around the world to explore these stories and experience the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.