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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts.

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

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – including it in a prestigious list of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "is a testament to its deep-rooted gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," as stated by a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 cities worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has consistently characterized its heart: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a ongoing discussion from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and raised to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

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

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

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

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

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

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on every corner, there are tiny kiosks and carts – hidden delights that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a no-frills joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

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

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though say that their children are reluctant to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people worldwide to explore these stories and visit the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.