🔗 Share this article

Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts.

The historic city in northern India of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and travelers alike swearing by its superb cuisine.

An International Accolade

In a recent announcement, UNESCO designated it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – placing it on a prestigious roster of global cities and igniting hopes that it will showcase Lucknow's sublime food. With this status, it enters a international community of cities urban centers across over 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its profound food heritage and vibrant gastronomic culture," as noted by a official from Unesco's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was chosen in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 global destinations worldwide.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The honor for this venerable city is hardly a shock to its inhabitants or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the opinion that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO accolade, this beloved, lively, and diverse city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has always shaped its soul: an unparalleled devotion for food.

"'The day's menu, how should it be prepared' is a constant discussion from morning until night in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are truly assessed by the standard of food that is produced in your kitchen."

A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine

The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th-century affluent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, refined, and raised to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These imperial kitchens were centers of food experimentation, blending Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the cuisine of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's most famous kebabs were developed. The story goes that the mutton galouti was invented to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists processed the meat with papaya, kesar, and spices and made it so fine that it required no chewing.

But arguably the most significant contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is prepared on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid securely sealed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

Apart from the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also created a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a sweet 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 local ingredients but also offers the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – tangy fried snacks.

Hidden Gems and Legacy Eateries

Almost on many street corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – little-known gems that are wildly loved by the locals.

In the city center of Hazratganj, huge crowds start assembling from 5 am at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, served in kulhads, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter.

For breakfast, one can head to a simple joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was founded, the place is still much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets).

Preserving Tradition for the Future

The city also boasts special seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and complicated. The vendor whisks the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its amazing airy feel.

On chilly mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. Many but say that their younger generation are reluctant to take up the skill.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has frequently stated that the city's rich food legacy places it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will occur only if Lucknow can now create awareness about its hidden eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – crafted by family-run food businesses, from humble street carts to lively restaurants, and closely held family recipes.

The global recognition, it is believed, will encourage more people worldwide to discover these stories and visit the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.