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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and visitors equally praising its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, Unesco designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – adding it to a select roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a worldwide network of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The honor "demonstrates its deep-rooted food heritage and lively food ecosystem," according to a official from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

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

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this time-honored city arrives as hardly a shock to its inhabitants or dedicated food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, bustling, and diverse city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the global gaze for what has consistently shaped its heart: an profound devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a constant dialogue from waking up until going to bed in many homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the excellence of food that emerges from your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is noted for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and taken to sublime levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of gastronomic creativity, merging Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. Legend has it that the galouti kebab was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the container's cover tightly closed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire 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 additionally a vegetarian's paradise.

The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only highlights seasonal produce but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are little shops and kiosks – hidden gems that are wildly favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start gathering from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

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

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also offers remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing frothy texture.

On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however note that their children do not want to learn the skill.

A celebrity chef from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's immense food legacy puts it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its lesser-known eateries.

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

The international acclaim, it is anticipated, will inspire more people globally to explore these stories and visit the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.