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Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and tourists alike celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, UNESCO designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select roster of world cities and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it enters a international community of over 400 metropolises across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "demonstrates its centuries-old food heritage and dynamic gastronomic culture," as stated by a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this historic city arrives as no surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, lively, and diverse city – the capital of India's biggest state – is finally in the global gaze for what has always characterized its heart: an profound passion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a constant conversation from morning until going to bed in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often assessed by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and taken to sublime levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, blending Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

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

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a vegetarian's paradise.

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on many street corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden treasures that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the old city area 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).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is precise and involved. The vendor beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some but note that their children are unwilling to master the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will inspire more people worldwide to discover these tales and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.