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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers equally celebrating its superb cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

Recently, UNESCO designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious roster of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 cities across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "is a testament to its deep-rooted gastronomic legacy and lively culinary scene," according to 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 earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the limelight for what has always characterized its heart: an profound love for food.

"'What will be cooked, the method of preparation' is a ongoing conversation from waking up until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, evolved, and elevated to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were centers of food experimentation, merging Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a haven for vegetarians.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only celebrates local ingredients but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on many street corners, there are small establishments and carts – hidden gems that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a simple joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was founded, 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 offers unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The artisan beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children do not want to take up the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will motivate more people globally to discover these tales and travel to the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.