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

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and travelers equally praising its superb cuisine.

An International Accolade

Last month, UNESCO honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a select group of world cities and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it enters a worldwide network of more than four hundred metropolises across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "innovation as a driver of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "stands as proof of its centuries-old culinary traditions and vibrant culinary scene," as noted by a representative from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 cities internationally.

A City Defined by Food

The recognition for this time-honored city arrives as no surprise to its residents or dedicated food lovers. Many share the opinion that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO recognition, this beloved, bustling, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the spotlight for what has perennially shaped its heart: an profound passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing conversation from morning until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often assessed by the excellence of food that comes out of 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 tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, refined, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens.

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

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was invented to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so soft 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 gentle, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also created a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates fresh harvests but also provides the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on countless corners, there are little shops and stalls – lesser-known gems that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, huge crowds start milling around from the crack of dawn at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, served in kulhads, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a unpretentious joint located in the old city area 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 unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert found in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The artisan whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however say that their younger generation do not want to master the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is believed, will inspire more people around the world to discover these narratives and visit the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.