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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and visitors alike celebrating its remarkable cuisine.

An International Accolade

In a recent announcement, Unesco honored it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a select group of global cities and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this title, it joins a international community of cities urban centers across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a driver of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "stands as proof of its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant culinary scene," according to a spokesperson from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The recognition for this venerable city comes as little surprise to its residents or passionate food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has perennially defined its soul: an profound love for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a continued dialogue from waking up until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the excellence of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th-century wealthy Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were centers of gastronomic creativity, blending Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the container's cover securely closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

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

Time-Tested Food Joints

Virtually on many street corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known treasures that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around 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 lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a no-frills joint situated 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 offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is intricate and complicated. The vendor whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though express concern that their children do not want to learn the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy places it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will motivate more people globally to discover these stories and experience the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.