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Delectable kebabs, scented biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and tourists equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

In a recent announcement, UNESCO recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select group of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it becomes part of a worldwide network of more than four hundred metropolises across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "stands as proof of its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and dynamic culinary scene," according to a spokesperson from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 global destinations worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The honor for this time-honored city arrives as no surprise to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always characterized its soul: an profound devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a constant conversation from waking up until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, evolved, and raised to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were centers of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and native 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 devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and 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 low, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from 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 rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and stalls – hidden gems that are immensely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert savored in the winter. The process of making it is precise and involved. The vendor beats the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however note that their children do not want to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to bustling restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to learn these tales and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.