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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and visitors alike celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive group of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it joins a international community of cities cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "is a testament to its centuries-old culinary traditions and dynamic food ecosystem," 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 find a place in this coveted list of seventy urban centers internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this venerable city arrives as little surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the limelight for what has always characterized its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly assessed by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were epicenters of food experimentation, merging Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

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

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on countless corners, there are small establishments and stalls – lesser-known delights that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a unpretentious joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 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 presents unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and complicated. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their children do not want to master the art.

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

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will motivate more people worldwide to explore these stories and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.