🔗 Share this article

Delectable kebabs, aromatic biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has consistently been a dream destination for epicures, with locals and visitors equally swearing by its exquisite cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO recognised it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – placing it on a exclusive roster of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this designation, it enters a worldwide network of cities cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its centuries-old gastronomic legacy and dynamic gastronomic culture," as noted by a spokesperson from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to earn a spot in this coveted list of 70 global destinations worldwide.

A City Defined by Food

The accolade for this historic city is little surprise to its residents or avid food lovers. Many echo the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, lively, and eclectic city – the capital of India's largest state – is now in the global gaze for what has consistently shaped its essence: an profound love for food.

"'What's for dinner, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing discussion from waking up until going to bed in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are actually assessed by the excellence 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 historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were created, perfected, and taken to extraordinary levels in their opulent kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were hubs of food experimentation, merging Persian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh.

It was in this era that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. Legend has it that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an ageing nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared 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 culinary masters also built up a repertoire of dishes that included kormas (rich curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not just about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a haven for vegetarians.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates seasonal produce but also offers the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and unique street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Time-Tested Food Joints

Virtually on every corner, there are small establishments and carts – hidden delights that are extremely popular with the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start assembling from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a piping hot cup of spiced tea with milk, offered in kulhads, along with fluffy buns slathered with hand-churned white butter.

In the morning, one can make their way to a no-frills joint located in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also presents unique seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert savored in the winter. The method of making it is precise and involved. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its unique frothy texture.

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however note that their children do not want to learn the art.

A renowned chef from Lucknow has noted that the city's profound food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The true benefit from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its lesser-known eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced 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 globally to explore these stories and visit the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.