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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and travelers alike swearing by its superb cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, UNESCO honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a prestigious group of international urban centers and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it joins a international community of over 400 cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "demonstrates its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and vibrant culinary scene," according to a official from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this prestigious list of 70 cities internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The recognition for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its locals or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, bustling, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always shaped its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a constant discussion from waking up until going to bed in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is noted for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These royal kitchens were centers of gastronomic creativity, blending Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich 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 doesn't just highlights fresh harvests but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on countless corners, there are little shops and carts – hidden delights that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a unpretentious joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its freshly fried 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 airy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but note that their younger generation do not want to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's immense 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 build recognition about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – crafted by generational food businesses, from modest street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will encourage more people globally to explore these stories and experience the city to savour the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.