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Mouth-watering kebabs, scented biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and tourists equally celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, 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 spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a key factor of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and dynamic culinary scene," as stated 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 cities worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The recognition for this historic city arrives as little surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the global gaze for what has consistently defined its essence: an unparalleled devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a continued dialogue from morning until night in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the excellence 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 affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

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

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a vast array of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on every corner, there are little shops and stalls – lesser-known gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from early morning at a renowned 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.

To start the day, one can visit a unpretentious joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still in great demand for its freshly fried 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 savored in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and complicated. The cook beats the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however note that their younger generation do not want to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will motivate more people around the world to discover these narratives and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.