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

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

An International Accolade

Recently, Unesco honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – adding it to a exclusive roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 cities across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The accolade "demonstrates its deep-rooted culinary traditions and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of seventy urban centers internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

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

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, bustling, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is at last in the limelight for what has perennially characterized its soul: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a continued dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. The story goes that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it needed 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, slow heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights fresh harvests but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on many street corners, there are little shops and kiosks – lesser-known delights that are wildly popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

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

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also presents unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and complicated. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though say that their younger generation do not want to master the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – crafted by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The global recognition, it is believed, will inspire more people around the world to discover these tales and travel to the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.