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

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and tourists equally praising its remarkable cuisine.

A Global Honor

In a recent announcement, Unesco honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a select list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a global network of cities cities across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "creativity as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "is a testament to its centuries-old culinary traditions and lively food ecosystem," as stated by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this venerable city comes as no surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, chaotic, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is now in the global gaze for what has perennially characterized its soul: an profound devotion for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a continued dialogue from waking up until going to bed in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The City of the Nawabs – as it's popularly called after its 18th and 19th Century wealthy Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and elevated to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

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

It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the greatest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with dough.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Besides the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a repertoire 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 showcases local ingredients but also gives the city its meticulously prepared 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 treasures that are extremely loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a simple joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 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).

Safeguarding a Culinary Heritage

The city also boasts unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is precise and complicated. The vendor beats the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique airy feel.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some though express concern that their younger generation do not want to take up the art.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy places it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, 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 family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people around the world to discover these narratives and experience the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.