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Delectable kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

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

A Global Honor

Recently, UNESCO recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select group of global cities and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a global network of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "is a testament to its centuries-old culinary traditions and dynamic culinary scene," according to a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its locals or avid food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has perennially defined its heart: an profound passion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a continued dialogue from waking up until night in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These royal kitchens were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, blending Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

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

But arguably the most significant contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

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

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a haven for vegetarians.

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known delights that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can make their way to a simple joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its freshly fried 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 found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and demanding. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible light consistency.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children are unwilling to master the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound 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 hidden eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will encourage more people globally to explore these tales and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.