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Mouth-watering kebabs, scented biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a haven for gastronomes, with residents and tourists alike praising its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious group of international urban centers and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "demonstrates its profound food heritage and vibrant food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city comes as hardly a shock to its residents or avid food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the spotlight for what has perennially defined its essence: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a constant dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, evolved, and elevated to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were centers of gastronomic creativity, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was invented to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking 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

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

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just highlights fresh harvests but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – lesser-known gems that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, presented in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a unpretentious joint operating 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 remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is precise and demanding. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however say that their younger generation are reluctant to learn the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's profound food legacy positions 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 lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

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