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Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

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

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive group of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a worldwide network of cities cities across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and lively food ecosystem," according to a spokesperson from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

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

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The recognition for this historic city is little surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, chaotic, and eclectic city – the capital of India's most populous state – is finally in the global gaze for what has consistently characterized its essence: an profound devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued conversation from waking up until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

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

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

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

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

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

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights fresh harvests but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden treasures that are wildly popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 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 boasts remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is precise and involved. The vendor beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible light consistency.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though note that their younger generation are reluctant to take up the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions 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 lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will motivate more people globally to explore these narratives and travel to the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.