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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and tourists alike swearing by its superb cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select group of world cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it becomes part of a global network of cities cities across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "demonstrates its centuries-old food heritage and lively gastronomic culture," according to a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to find a place in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations internationally.

A City Defined by Food

The recognition for this historic city is no surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this beloved, chaotic, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently shaped its soul: an immense love for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a continued conversation from morning until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, evolved, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

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

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the greatest 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 securely sealed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection 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 traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only celebrates local ingredients but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on every corner, there are small establishments and carts – hidden delights that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can visit a unpretentious joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was established, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also offers unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and demanding. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible light consistency.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their younger generation do not want to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its lesser-known eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will encourage more people around the world to explore these narratives and experience the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.