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Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and tourists alike praising its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, Unesco honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – including it in a prestigious group of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it joins a worldwide network of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "is a testament to its profound gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city comes as little surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, lively, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the spotlight for what has perennially shaped its heart: an immense passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a continued dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often assessed by the quality of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, refined, and elevated to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides 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 decadent 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 not only highlights local ingredients but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on many street corners, there are tiny kiosks and kiosks – lesser-known treasures that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, served in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 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 boasts remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however express concern that their younger generation are reluctant to master the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's immense food legacy places it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people worldwide to learn these stories and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.