🔗 Share this article Succulent Kebabs, Aromatic Biryani and a World More: A Historic Indian City Earns a Spot on UNESCO's Culinary List. Biryani in Lucknow is simmered on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with a paste of flour. Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and fluffy, cloud-like desserts. The northern Indian city of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and visitors equally praising its exquisite cuisine. Worldwide Recognition In a recent announcement, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a select group of international urban centers and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it becomes part of a worldwide network of cities metropolises across more than 100 countries dedicated to promoting "artistic expression as a key factor of city development that is sustainable". The recognition "stands as proof of its deep-rooted culinary traditions and dynamic culinary scene," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia. Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this coveted list of 70 global destinations around the world. An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul The accolade for this time-honored city arrives as hardly a shock to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many share the view that it is "better late than never". With the UNESCO recognition, this adored, chaotic, and eclectic city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently shaped its essence: an profound passion for food. "'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a constant dialogue from morning until going to bed in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen." Lucknow is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs. A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine The City of the Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic opulent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were invented, refined, and taken to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens. These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of culinary innovations, merging Persian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh. It was during this time that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His chefs processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so silky that it required no chewing. But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely closed with dough. More Than Just Famous Dishes In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding). However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a vegetarian's paradise. The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights fresh harvests but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks. The city offers unique treats for the season, such as Makkhan Malai, a one-of-a-kind cloud-like dessert, when it gets cold. Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops Nearly on countless corners, there are small establishments and carts – hidden gems that are wildly popular with the locals. In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from 5 am at a legendary tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with freshly churned white butter. For breakfast, one can head to a no-frills joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still highly popular for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets). A renowned tea stall is noted for its milky spiced tea. Ensuring Legacy Continues The city also boasts remarkable treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is precise and involved. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its incredible frothy texture. On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though say that their children are reluctant to master the art. A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's rich food legacy places it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries. Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – shaped by generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and guarded family recipes. The worldwide honor, it is believed, will inspire more people worldwide to discover these tales and travel to the city to savour the food wonders of Lucknow.