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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and visitors alike praising its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a prestigious roster of global cities and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it becomes part of a international community of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "stands as proof of its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem," as stated by a official from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this venerable city comes as little surprise to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, chaotic, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is now in the global gaze for what has always shaped its soul: an profound passion for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The Nawabi City – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th-century affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, refined, and raised to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were fashioned. The story goes that the mutton galouti was invented to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it needed 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 pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks 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 vegetarian's paradise.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and carts – lesser-known delights that are immensely favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

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 complicated. The vendor whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but note that their children are reluctant to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated 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, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is hoped, will inspire more people worldwide to learn these narratives and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.