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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and travelers equally praising its superb cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive roster of global cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it enters a international community of cities cities across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and lively culinary scene," according to a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of 70 cities around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city is little surprise to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, bustling, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently shaped its heart: an unparalleled love for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing discussion from morning until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, refined, and taken to sublime levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But perhaps 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 container's cover securely closed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only 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 many street corners, there are little shops and stalls – little-known gems that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot 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 visit a simple joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 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 boasts unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The process of making it is precise and involved. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however express concern that their children are reluctant to learn the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will inspire more people worldwide to explore these narratives and experience the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.