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Delectable kebabs, fragrant biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers equally celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a exclusive list of global cities and igniting hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a global network of over 400 metropolises across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The accolade "is a testament to its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and lively culinary scene," as noted by a official from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations around the world.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The recognition for this historic city comes as hardly a shock to its residents or avid food lovers. Many share the view that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's most populous state – is finally in the global gaze for what has always shaped its essence: an immense love for food.

"'What will be cooked, the method of preparation' is a constant conversation from waking up until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, perfected, and taken to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were centers of gastronomic creativity, blending Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

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

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a vast array 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 additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates local ingredients but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Nearly on many street corners, there are small establishments and carts – little-known treasures that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from the crack of dawn at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a no-frills joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also offers remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and involved. The cook hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however note that their children are unwilling to take up the skill.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit 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 – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these stories and visit the city to savour the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.