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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious list of global cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it enters a international community of cities cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "stands as proof of its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative 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 prestigious list of 70 global destinations worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, chaotic, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently defined its essence: an immense passion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a constant conversation from morning until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly assessed by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were epicenters of culinary innovations, merging Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

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

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just highlights seasonal produce but also provides the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Almost on every corner, there are tiny kiosks and carts – hidden gems that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can make their way to a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 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 unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and involved. The cook beats the milk and then exposes it 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. Many but say that their children are reluctant to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will inspire more people globally to discover these tales and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.