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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and travelers alike swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive roster of global cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it joins a global network of cities urban centers across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The honor "demonstrates its profound food heritage and vibrant gastronomic culture," as stated by a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to earn a spot in this prestigious list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this time-honored city comes as little surprise to its residents or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, lively, and eclectic city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has perennially shaped its essence: an unparalleled love for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing dialogue from waking up until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and taken to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were centers of food experimentation, fusing Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, leisurely 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 created 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 additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just celebrates seasonal produce but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known gems that are extremely favored by 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 spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

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

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and complicated. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique frothy texture.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children are unwilling to master the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's immense food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is believed, will motivate more people globally to learn these stories and travel to the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.