🔗 Share this article Succulent Kebabs, Aromatic Biryani along with Much More: An Indian Metropolis Secures a Place on Unesco Gastronomy List. Biryani in Lucknow is simmered on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the vessel's cover tightly sealed with dough. Delectable kebabs, scented biryani, and whipped, ethereal desserts. The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has forever been a haven for gastronomes, with inhabitants and visitors equally celebrating its superb cuisine. An International Accolade Recently, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognised it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – placing it on a exclusive list of international urban centers and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this status, it enters a global network of over 400 metropolises across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "artistic expression as a catalyst of sustainable urban development". The accolade "is a testament to its profound gastronomic legacy and lively food ecosystem," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia. Lucknow is just the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this coveted list of seventy urban centers worldwide. A City Defined by Food The accolade for this historic city is hardly a shock to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue". With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, bustling, and vibrant city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has perennially characterized its soul: an profound passion for food. "'What will be cooked, how should it be prepared' is a ongoing dialogue from waking up until night in many homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are truly assessed by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen." Lucknow is celebrated for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs. A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its 18th and 19th Century affluent Muslim rulers – is noted for its succulent kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were conceived, refined, and taken to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens. These imperial kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh. It was during this time that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were created. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to feed an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His cooks minced the meat with papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing. But perhaps the biggest contribution of the cooks of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a low, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with a flour paste. Beyond Kebabs and Biryani Apart from the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also developed a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a decadent bread pudding). However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a dream for plant-based eaters. The local Baniya community's cuisine not only celebrates fresh harvests but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks. The city showcases distinctive seasonal delights, such as Makkhan Malai, a unique airy dessert, in the winter. Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops Almost on many street corners, there are tiny kiosks and carts – hidden delights that are wildly popular with the locals. In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start gathering from 5 am at a renowned tea stall to get a steaming cup of spiced tea with milk, presented in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns covered in freshly churned white butter. To start the day, one can head to a simple joint located in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, the place is still highly popular for its freshly fried kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets). A famous tea stall is known for its creamy spiced tea. Preserving Tradition for the Future The city also presents remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert available in the winter. The method of making it is intricate and demanding. The cook hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible airy feel. On chilly mornings, street vendors line up in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however say that their younger generation do not want to master the art. A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's profound food legacy positions it right on top of the Indian street food experience. The real value from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its under-the-radar eateries. Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – crafted by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and guarded family recipes. The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these narratives and experience the city to delight in the gastronomic treasures of Lucknow.