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Tempting kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with residents and visitors equally swearing by its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 cities across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "stands as proof of its profound food heritage and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of seventy urban centers internationally.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

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

With the UNESCO accolade, this adored, lively, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has always characterized its heart: an unparalleled devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the quality of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

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

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, merging Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was invented to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

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

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

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

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on countless corners, there are little shops and carts – hidden delights that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start milling around from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in kulhads, along with fluffy buns lathered with freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can make their way to a no-frills joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, 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 treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and complicated. The vendor beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though say that their younger generation do not want to take up the craft.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these stories and travel to the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.