🔗 Share this article

Delectable kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts.

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with locals and visitors alike swearing by its remarkable cuisine.

Worldwide Recognition

In a recent announcement, UNESCO designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive list of world cities and kindling hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of over 400 metropolises across over 100 countries committed to promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable".

The recognition "demonstrates its centuries-old culinary traditions and dynamic gastronomic culture," according to a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of 70 global destinations around the world.

A City Defined by Food

The recognition for this venerable city is hardly a shock to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the view that it is "a recognition that was delayed".

With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's biggest state – is now in the limelight for what has consistently characterized its heart: an profound passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of the Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th-century opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

These royal kitchens were hubs of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and indigenous 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 mutton galouti was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing.

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

More Than Just Famous Dishes

Apart from the obvious 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 decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just showcases seasonal produce but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Nearly on many street corners, there are little shops and carts – little-known delights that are immensely loved by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

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

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also boasts unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The method of making it is precise and demanding. The cook whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however express concern that their children do not want to take up the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's immense food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – influenced by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and guarded family recipes.

The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will inspire more people worldwide to learn these stories and visit the city to taste the culinary delights of Lucknow.