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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

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

An International Accolade

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a prestigious list of world cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it becomes part of a international community of over 400 cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

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

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this time-honored city comes as little surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, chaotic, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is finally in the global gaze for what has always shaped its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a constant discussion from morning until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were conceived, refined, and elevated to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs 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 most famous kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with papaya, kesar, 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 gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the well-known 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 decadent bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also provides the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

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

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 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).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and complicated. The vendor beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of though note that their younger generation are reluctant to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's immense food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is hoped, will inspire more people around the world to explore these tales and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.