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Delectable kebabs, fragrant biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a haven for gastronomes, with residents and travelers equally praising its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, UNESCO designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it becomes part of a global network of over 400 cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "stands as proof of its centuries-old culinary traditions and dynamic culinary scene," as stated by a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city is little surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is now in the spotlight for what has always defined its soul: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, refined, and taken to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, merging Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates 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

Nearly on every corner, there are little shops and kiosks – hidden treasures that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a unpretentious 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 freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is scientific and involved. The artisan whisks 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. A number of but note that their younger generation do not want to learn the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will encourage more people globally to discover these narratives and travel to the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.