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Mouth-watering kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and travelers equally swearing by its superb cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, Unesco designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select group of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it becomes part of a global network of cities cities across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic food ecosystem," according to a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this venerable city arrives as no surprise to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the global gaze for what has always defined its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the quality of food that is produced in 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 tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, merging Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. The story goes that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

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

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just showcases local ingredients but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and carts – little-known delights that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from the crack of dawn at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a unpretentious joint located in the historic quarter 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 offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and complicated. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique light consistency.

On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some but express concern that their children are reluctant to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy places 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 build recognition about its hidden eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is hoped, will encourage more people worldwide to explore these narratives and travel to the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.