🔗 Share this article Kebabs, Aromatic Biryani and a World More: A Historic Indian City Secures a Place on Unesco Culinary List. Biryani in Lucknow is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with dough. Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts. The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with locals and visitors alike swearing by its remarkable cuisine. A Global Honor In a recent announcement, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – including it in a prestigious list of world cities and sparking hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it enters a international community of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a key factor of sustainable urban development". The accolade "stands as proof of its profound gastronomic legacy and lively gastronomic culture," as noted by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia. Lucknow is merely the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 global destinations internationally. A City Defined by Food The recognition for this venerable city comes as hardly a shock to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many echo the view that it is "better late than never". With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, lively, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's most populous state – is at last in the global gaze for what has consistently characterized its soul: an immense love for food. "'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a constant dialogue from waking up until going to bed in most homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen." Lucknow is celebrated for its incredibly tender kebabs. A Royal Culinary Legacy The Nawabi City – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, refined, and elevated to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens. These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of food experimentation, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh. It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were created. The story goes that the galouti kebab was invented to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it needed no chewing. But perhaps the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, leisurely heat, with the container's cover securely closed with a flour paste. More Than Just Famous Dishes In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a vast array 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 additionally a haven for vegetarians. The local Baniya community's cuisine doesn't just celebrates seasonal produce but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks. The city offers special treats for the season, such as Makkhan Malai, a one-of-a-kind cloud-like dessert, in the winter. Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries Almost on every corner, there are tiny kiosks and carts – hidden delights that are extremely favored by the locals. In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start gathering from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, served in clay glasses, along with incredibly soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter. For breakfast, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets). A renowned tea stall is known for its milky spiced tea. Ensuring Legacy Continues The city also presents unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and involved. The cook whisks the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing light consistency. On crisp mornings, street vendors are often seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many though say that their children do not want to take up the craft. A celebrity chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its lesser-known eateries. Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – crafted by family-run food businesses, from modest street carts to bustling restaurants, and secret family recipes. The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will inspire more people around the world to learn these tales and travel to the city to savour the culinary delights of Lucknow.