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Mouth-watering kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and visitors alike praising its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a prestigious roster of global cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's sublime food. With this designation, it enters a global network of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The recognition "demonstrates its profound culinary traditions and lively gastronomic culture," as stated by a official from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only 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 honor for this historic city comes as no surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, chaotic, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has perennially shaped its heart: an profound love for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a continued discussion from waking up until night in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the excellence of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The Nawabi City – as it's often referred to after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and elevated to sublime levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were centers of gastronomic creativity, merging Iranian and native 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 created. The story goes that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and 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 cooked on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

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

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases seasonal produce but also gives the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on countless corners, there are tiny kiosks and stalls – hidden delights that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can visit a simple joint situated in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also offers remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and involved. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of though express concern that their younger generation are unwilling to take up the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted 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 hidden eateries.

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

The global recognition, it is believed, will inspire more people around the world to learn these narratives and visit the city to taste the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.