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Delectable kebabs, scented biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and visitors equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, Unesco honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a select roster of world cities and igniting hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a key factor of city development that is sustainable".

The honor "demonstrates its deep-rooted gastronomic legacy 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 selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city arrives as no surprise to its residents or dedicated food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the limelight for what has always shaped its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a continued discussion from morning until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly assessed by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, merging Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was invented to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with papaya, kesar, and 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 gentle, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed 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 decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a haven for vegetarians.

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

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known treasures that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, offered in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a simple joint situated in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was founded, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also presents remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and demanding. The cook hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though say that their younger generation are unwilling to take up the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will motivate more people around the world to learn these stories and visit the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.