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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and travelers equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Last month, Unesco designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a global network of over 400 metropolises across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "is a testament to its deep-rooted food heritage and vibrant gastronomic culture," according to a spokesperson from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to earn a spot in this prestigious list of 70 cities around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city is hardly a shock to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is finally in the limelight for what has consistently defined its soul: an immense love for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a constant discussion from waking up until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

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 invented, perfected, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of culinary innovations, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine 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 cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just highlights fresh harvests but also provides the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on many street corners, there are tiny kiosks and kiosks – little-known treasures that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can make their way to a no-frills joint located 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 boasts special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and complicated. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their younger generation are reluctant to learn the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by generational food businesses, from modest street carts to bustling restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will motivate more people around the world to discover these tales and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.