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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and visitors alike praising its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious list of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it joins a worldwide network of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound gastronomic legacy and vibrant gastronomic culture," as stated by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The recognition for this venerable city arrives as little surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many share the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always shaped its heart: an immense love for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued dialogue from waking up until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's popularly called after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is noted for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, refined, and raised to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of food experimentation, fusing Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was invented to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich 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 not only showcases fresh harvests but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and kiosks – lesser-known treasures that are immensely favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and involved. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some but express concern that their children are unwilling to master the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its hidden eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will encourage more people around the world to learn these stories and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.