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

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

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – including it in a select group of international urban centers and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it enters a international community of cities metropolises across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and lively food ecosystem," as noted by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of 70 cities around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this time-honored city arrives as little surprise to its locals or avid food lovers. Many echo the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this beloved, chaotic, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the limelight for what has always characterized its heart: an immense love for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a constant dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the quality of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, perfected, and raised to extraordinary levels in their royal kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. Legend has it 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, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a vast array of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just celebrates local ingredients but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Virtually on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and carts – little-known gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

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

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also presents special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and involved. The cook beats the milk and then leaves 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. A number of but express concern that their younger generation are reluctant to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people globally to discover these tales and visit the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.