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

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has long been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and visitors equally celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, Unesco recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a select list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it enters a global network of cities urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The honor "is a testament to its profound culinary traditions and lively gastronomic culture," according to a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this prestigious list of 70 global destinations internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, bustling, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is finally in the limelight for what has always shaped its heart: an immense love for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a constant conversation from waking up until night in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, evolved, and raised to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, fusing Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

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

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters 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 additionally a haven for vegetarians.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases fresh harvests but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Virtually on countless corners, there are small establishments and carts – lesser-known gems that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, offered in kulhads, along with incredibly soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a unpretentious joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, 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 boasts special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The artisan beats the milk and then sets 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. A number of though note that their younger generation are reluctant to learn the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – crafted by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The global recognition, it is believed, will motivate more people globally to learn these stories and experience the city to delight in the food wonders of Lucknow.