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Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has consistently been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and travelers equally celebrating its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

Recently, Unesco honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a prestigious group of global cities and sparking hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it enters a global network of over 400 urban centers across over 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a catalyst of sustainable urban development".

The accolade "is a testament to its profound culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem," according to 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 earn a spot in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations internationally.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this historic city is no surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this adored, bustling, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the global gaze for what has always characterized its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What will be cooked, how will it be cooked' is a ongoing dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly evaluated by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, evolved, and raised to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of food experimentation, blending Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs ground the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, slow heat, with the container's cover tightly sealed with a flour paste.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Besides the obvious kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy 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 doesn't just celebrates seasonal produce but also offers the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

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

In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in clay glasses, along with pillowy soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter.

To start the day, one can head to a no-frills joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was founded, the place is still much sought-after for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also offers unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert savored in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The vendor whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however note that their children are reluctant to take up the craft.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's rich food legacy puts it among the best 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 lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – shaped by generational food businesses, from modest street carts to lively restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will inspire more people globally to learn these tales and travel to the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.