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

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has long been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and visitors equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select group of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it joins a international community of over 400 cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The honor "stands as proof of its deep-rooted food heritage and dynamic gastronomic culture," according to a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this time-honored city arrives as hardly a shock to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, chaotic, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always shaped its essence: an immense devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a constant dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The Nawabi City – as it's often referred to after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and taken to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. The story goes that the galouti kebab was created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with 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 low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet 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 not only celebrates local ingredients but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on countless corners, there are little shops and kiosks – lesser-known delights that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, served in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The technique of making it is precise and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though express concern that their younger generation do not want to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy places it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its hidden eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will inspire more people globally to learn these narratives and experience the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.