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Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and travelers alike praising its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, Unesco honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive list of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it joins a international community of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of city development that is sustainable".

The honor "is a testament to its centuries-old food heritage and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of seventy urban centers internationally.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city arrives as little surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, lively, and eclectic city – the capital of India's most populous state – is now in the spotlight for what has perennially defined its soul: an profound love for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a ongoing conversation from morning until going to bed in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, evolved, and taken to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were centers of gastronomic creativity, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

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

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with a flour paste.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just showcases local ingredients but also gives the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on many street corners, there are little shops and kiosks – hidden delights that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district 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 incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can make their way to a simple joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also presents special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and demanding. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children do not want to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is believed, will encourage more people worldwide to explore these tales and visit the city to savour the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.