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Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with residents and travelers alike praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

In a recent announcement, UNESCO honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious list of world cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a worldwide network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "stands as proof of its profound food heritage and dynamic culinary scene," as stated by a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of 70 global destinations around the world.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The recognition for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, lively, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has consistently characterized its heart: an unparalleled love for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a constant conversation from waking up until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of gastronomic creativity, blending Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was invented to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it required 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 securely sealed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not just about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just showcases local ingredients but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on countless corners, there are little shops and carts – hidden gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, served in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can make their way to a no-frills joint situated 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 offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however note that their children do not want to learn the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best 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 lesser-known eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will encourage more people around the world to learn these tales and travel to the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.