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Delectable kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has consistently been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and travelers alike swearing by its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, UNESCO recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a exclusive list of world cities and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it enters a international community of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and vibrant gastronomic culture," as noted by a representative from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 global destinations internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this historic city comes as hardly a shock to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, lively, and vibrant city – the capital of India's biggest state – is now in the spotlight for what has always defined its heart: an immense devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a continued discussion from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, evolved, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. The story goes that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the most significant contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the obvious 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 rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases local ingredients but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on every corner, there are small establishments and carts – hidden treasures that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, presented in kulhads, along with fluffy buns lathered with hand-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 offers unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is precise and involved. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of but note that their children are unwilling to master the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's immense food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is believed, will encourage more people globally to explore these tales and experience the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.