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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and tourists alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive roster of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it enters a international community of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "stands as proof of its centuries-old culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem," as noted by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of 70 cities internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this venerable city arrives as no surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, lively, and eclectic city – the capital of India's most populous state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently defined its heart: an immense devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, the method of preparation' is a ongoing conversation from waking up until night in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually judged by the quality 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 renowned for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, evolved, and raised to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the famous 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 far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just showcases fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on every corner, there are little shops and carts – lesser-known gems that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

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

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also boasts remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert savored in the winter. The process of making it is precise and involved. The cook beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but note that their younger generation are unwilling to master the skill.

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

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

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these stories and travel to the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.