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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and travelers alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

In a recent announcement, UNESCO designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive group of global cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a global network of cities cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "is a testament to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem," as stated by a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this venerable city comes as no surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always defined its heart: an profound passion for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until night in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, perfected, and raised to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

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

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and stalls – hidden treasures that are wildly popular with the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was established, 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 presents unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and involved. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though note that their children are unwilling to learn the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will encourage more people around the world to learn these tales and experience the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.