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Tempting kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and visitors equally celebrating its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a select list of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it becomes part of a international community of cities urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The recognition for this time-honored city comes as hardly a shock to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, chaotic, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently defined its soul: an immense devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a continued dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to exquisite levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, blending Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. The story goes that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with a flour paste.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy 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 haven for vegetarians.

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

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on many street corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a simple joint situated in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and complicated. The vendor whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however say that their younger generation do not want to learn the art.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will inspire more people globally to explore these tales and travel to the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.