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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and travelers equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a select list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it joins a international community of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The honor "is a testament to its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," as noted by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, chaotic, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has consistently shaped its soul: an unparalleled love for food.

"'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a constant discussion from waking up until night in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The Nawabi City – as it's often referred to after its historic wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, evolved, and raised to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of gastronomic creativity, merging Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were developed. The story goes that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only showcases seasonal produce but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on many street corners, there are little shops and stalls – little-known treasures that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a unpretentious joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also boasts unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and involved. The artisan whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing airy feel.

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 take up the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – crafted by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will motivate more people around the world to discover these narratives and visit the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.