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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and visitors equally praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a exclusive list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The recognition "stands as proof of its profound food heritage and dynamic culinary scene," according to a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this venerable city comes as no surprise to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, chaotic, and diverse city – the capital of India's biggest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has perennially characterized its essence: an profound devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a continued dialogue from morning until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, perfected, and raised to sublime levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of gastronomic creativity, blending Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were developed. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with dough.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not just about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only 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

Virtually on countless corners, there are little shops and stalls – little-known gems that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a unpretentious joint situated in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was founded, the place is still in great demand 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 frothy dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and complicated. The cook whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing light consistency.

On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some but express concern that their children do not want to take up the art.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle 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 hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by family-run food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will motivate more people around the world to explore these stories and experience the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.