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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and travelers alike swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select group of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it joins a worldwide network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "demonstrates its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic food ecosystem," as stated by a official from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of 70 global destinations around the world.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this historic city comes as little surprise to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always shaped its heart: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a continued dialogue from waking up until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to sublime levels in their royal kitchens.

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

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

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

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a haven for vegetarians.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just showcases seasonal produce but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on every corner, there are little shops and stalls – hidden gems that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a unpretentious joint situated in the old city area 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).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also boasts unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible light consistency.

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

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions 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 create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will inspire more people around the world to discover these tales and experience the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.