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

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

An International Accolade

Last month, Unesco honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – adding it to a select group of international urban centers and igniting hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a global network of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "is a testament to its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," according to a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of 70 global destinations internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this historic city is no surprise to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's most populous state – is finally in the spotlight for what has perennially shaped its essence: an profound passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, evolved, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, merging Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides 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 rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and carts – lesser-known gems that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from early morning at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, 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 offers special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The process of making it is precise and involved. The cook hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but express concern that their children are reluctant to master the art.

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

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will encourage more people around the world to learn these narratives and travel to the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.