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Mouth-watering kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and tourists alike praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, UNESCO designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive group of global cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it joins a worldwide network of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "stands as proof of its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," as stated by a spokesperson from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this prestigious list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this venerable city is hardly a shock to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, chaotic, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is finally in the limelight for what has perennially shaped its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a continued conversation from waking up until night in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually judged 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 affluent Muslim rulers – is noted for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These royal 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 that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was created to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks ground the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the container's cover securely sealed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just highlights fresh harvests but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on many street corners, there are tiny kiosks and carts – lesser-known gems that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint located in the historic quarter 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 offers remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but note that their children do not want to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich 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 build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

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