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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a food lovers' paradise, with residents and visitors alike swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a select roster of global cities and igniting hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities urban centers across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

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

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this prestigious list of seventy urban centers worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this time-honored city comes as no surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this cherished, bustling, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is finally in the limelight for what has perennially shaped its essence: an immense passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

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

It was in that period that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps 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 securely closed with a flour paste.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

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

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on every corner, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, presented in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can head to a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 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).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert savored in the winter. The process of making it is precise and demanding. The vendor whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible light consistency.

On chilly mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though express concern that their younger generation are unwilling to master the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's profound food legacy puts it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is believed, will inspire more people globally to learn these stories and visit the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.