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Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and tourists alike swearing by its exquisite cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, Unesco designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – including it in a exclusive group of global cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it joins a international community of over 400 metropolises across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "is a testament to its deep-rooted gastronomic legacy and vibrant gastronomic culture," according to a representative from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this prestigious list of 70 global destinations worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its locals or avid food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, chaotic, and diverse city – the capital of India's biggest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always defined its heart: an profound love for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued discussion from morning until going to bed in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of food experimentation, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just highlights local ingredients but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and kiosks – little-known gems that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a simple 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 hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is precise and involved. The cook beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however express concern that their children are unwilling to learn the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is believed, will inspire more people globally to discover these narratives and visit the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.