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Mouth-watering kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and visitors alike praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a exclusive roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it joins a global network of over 400 cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "demonstrates its profound culinary traditions and lively food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this historic city arrives as no surprise to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many share the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, chaotic, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always defined its soul: an immense passion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a constant conversation from morning until night in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

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

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was invented to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

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

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and stalls – hidden gems that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also offers special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and involved. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their younger generation are reluctant to take up the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized 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 humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is hoped, will encourage more people worldwide to learn these stories and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.