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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and tourists alike celebrating its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

Recently, UNESCO recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a select list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "is a testament to its centuries-old culinary traditions and lively food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations around the world.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this time-honored city arrives as no surprise to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this beloved, bustling, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the global gaze for what has perennially defined its essence: an immense passion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a continued dialogue from waking up until night in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and raised to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

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

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known delights that are wildly popular with the locals.

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

In the morning, one can visit a simple joint situated in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also boasts remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is precise and complicated. The cook hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing light consistency.

On cold mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though express concern that their younger generation are unwilling to master the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy places it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will motivate more people worldwide to learn these narratives and experience the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.