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Mouth-watering kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and travelers equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, UNESCO designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it becomes part of a global network of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound food heritage and vibrant culinary scene," as stated by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of 70 cities around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this historic city arrives as no surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has perennially characterized its essence: an immense devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a continued conversation from morning until night in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of the Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just showcases local ingredients but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on countless corners, there are little shops and carts – hidden treasures that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can make their way to a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also boasts special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and demanding. The vendor whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing light consistency.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their children do not want to learn the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy puts it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

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