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Mouth-watering kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers alike praising its exquisite cuisine.

An International Accolade

Recently, UNESCO recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a select roster of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it becomes part of a international community of over 400 metropolises across over 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "demonstrates its profound gastronomic legacy and vibrant food ecosystem," according to a official from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of 70 cities worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this historic city arrives as little surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, chaotic, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is finally in the limelight for what has consistently defined its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how will it be cooked' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the quality of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

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

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. The story goes that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so soft 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 sealed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a haven for vegetarians.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on many street corners, there are little shops and stalls – little-known treasures that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in kulhads, along with fluffy buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a no-frills joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of though express concern that their younger generation are reluctant to take up the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to busy restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is believed, will inspire more people worldwide to learn these narratives and visit the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.