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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and tourists alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – including it in a exclusive list of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities metropolises across over 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "demonstrates its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," as noted by a spokesperson from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The recognition for this time-honored city comes as little surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, chaotic, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always shaped its essence: an profound devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a constant dialogue from waking up until going to bed in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's popularly called after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and taken to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of food experimentation, fusing Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with 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 prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just highlights seasonal produce but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and carts – lesser-known delights that are immensely popular with the locals.

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

In the morning, 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 much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

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

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children are reluctant to master the craft.

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 real value from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is believed, will inspire more people globally to learn these tales and experience the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.