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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and tourists alike celebrating its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a select list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it enters a global network of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "stands as proof of its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," as noted by a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's biggest state – is at last in the limelight for what has always defined its heart: an immense devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually judged by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

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

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of food experimentation, blending Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich 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 dream for plant-based eaters.

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden gems that are immensely favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start gathering from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a simple joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, 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 remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

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

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy places it right on top 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 has a narrative – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The global recognition, it is hoped, will motivate more people globally to explore these narratives and experience the city to savour the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.