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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and visitors equally praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, UNESCO honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select list of global cities and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it becomes part of a global network of more than four hundred urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "demonstrates its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," according to a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this venerable city is no surprise to its residents or dedicated food lovers. Many share the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, bustling, and vibrant city – the capital of India's most populous state – is finally in the global gaze for what has consistently defined its essence: an unparalleled devotion for food.

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

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and raised to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the container's cover securely closed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a repertoire 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 doesn't just celebrates seasonal produce but also gives the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on every corner, there are little shops and carts – hidden delights that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a unpretentious joint situated 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 remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and involved. The vendor whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but say that their children are unwilling to master the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy puts it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will inspire more people around the world to discover these tales and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.