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Delectable kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and visitors equally swearing by its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select roster of global cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it enters a worldwide network of over 400 metropolises across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "stands as proof of its centuries-old food heritage and dynamic culinary scene," according to a official from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this historic city comes as no surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, bustling, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the limelight for what has consistently characterized its essence: an immense devotion 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 judged by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was invented to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so silky that it required 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, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights fresh harvests but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden gems that are extremely loved by the locals.

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

For breakfast, one can head to a simple joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique frothy texture.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their younger generation are unwilling to take up the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is hoped, will inspire more people worldwide to discover these stories and visit the city to savour the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.