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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and tourists equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it joins a international community of more than four hundred urban centers across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "demonstrates its deep-rooted gastronomic legacy and dynamic food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this prestigious list of 70 cities internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this time-honored city arrives as little surprise to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, chaotic, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has consistently defined its soul: an profound passion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a constant conversation from morning until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and taken to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of gastronomic creativity, fusing Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so soft that it required 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, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on every corner, there are small establishments and stalls – little-known delights that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, 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 presents remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and complicated. The vendor whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their children are reluctant to take up the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted 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 be realized 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 anticipated, will encourage more people globally to explore these tales and experience the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.