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

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and tourists equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, UNESCO honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a exclusive group of world cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it enters a worldwide network of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

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

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations internationally.

A City Defined by Food

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

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the spotlight for what has perennially characterized its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

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

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is noted for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, refined, and elevated to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

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

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created 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 celebrates fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – lesser-known treasures that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

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

On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but express concern that their children are reluctant to master the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – crafted by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will motivate more people worldwide to explore these tales and visit the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.