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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and tourists equally praising its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco designated it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a exclusive group of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it becomes part of a global network of over 400 cities across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The honor "demonstrates its deep-rooted culinary traditions and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

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

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The honor for this historic city comes as no surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has perennially shaped its heart: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued dialogue from morning until night in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that comes out of your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, evolved, and taken to sublime levels in their royal kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were hubs of culinary innovations, fusing Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the cooks 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.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

In addition to the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine doesn't just highlights fresh harvests but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and carts – hidden treasures that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was set up, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also offers remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is scientific and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible light consistency.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however note that their younger generation are reluctant to take up the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's immense food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its hidden eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these stories and visit the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.