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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and travelers equally swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a select list of global cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of city development that is sustainable".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound culinary traditions and lively food ecosystem," as noted by a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this venerable city arrives as little surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this beloved, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's biggest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has consistently shaped its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a ongoing dialogue from waking up until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, perfected, and elevated to sublime levels in their imperial 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 iconic kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground 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 chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

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 decadent bread pudding).

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

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

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known treasures that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start gathering from the crack of dawn at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a simple joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also presents remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert savored in the winter. The technique of making it is precise and involved. The vendor whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible light consistency.

On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though note that their younger generation do not want to take up the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – crafted by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will inspire more people around the world to discover these tales and experience the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.