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Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and whipped, cloud-like desserts.

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

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco designated it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive list of global cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it becomes part of a international community of cities cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "is a testament to its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," as stated by a representative from Unesco's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this venerable city arrives as little surprise to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many share the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is now in the global gaze for what has perennially characterized its essence: an unparalleled devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how will it be cooked' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually judged by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were epicenters of food experimentation, blending Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was invented to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His culinary artists ground the meat with papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it needed no chewing.

But arguably the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

Beyond Kebabs and Biryani

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the cooks also created a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent 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 doesn't just celebrates local ingredients but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – hidden gems that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in clay glasses, along with fluffy buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a unpretentious joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still in great demand for its freshly fried 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 cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is scientific and demanding. The vendor whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing light consistency.

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

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy puts it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will be realized only if Lucknow can now build recognition 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 worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people globally to discover these stories and travel to the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.