🔗 Share this article

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

The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has long been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and tourists equally celebrating its superb cuisine.

A Global Honor

Last month, UNESCO recognised it as a Creative City of Gastronomy – including it in a exclusive roster of world cities and kindling hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this title, it joins a worldwide network of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a key factor of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "demonstrates its profound gastronomic legacy and lively gastronomic culture," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's regional bureau for South Asia.

Lucknow is just the second Indian city – following Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to secure a position in this prestigious list of seventy urban centers around the world.

A Metropolis Shaped by Cuisine

The accolade for this time-honored city is no surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many share the sentiment that it is "better late than never".

With the UNESCO designation, this beloved, chaotic, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's largest state – is finally in the limelight for what has always shaped its heart: an immense passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a continued discussion from morning until night in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are often judged by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen."

An Imperial Food Tradition

The City of Nawabs – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a unique take on biryani that were invented, evolved, and elevated to extraordinary levels in their imperial kitchens.

These royal kitchens were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, fusing Iranian and indigenous Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was during this time that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were developed. The story goes that the mutton galouti was created to feed an elderly nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so soft that it required no chewing.

But perhaps the biggest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cook Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a low, leisurely heat, with the pot's lid tightly sealed with a flour paste.

A Diverse Culinary Landscape

In addition to the famous kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a collection of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding).

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also provides the city its highly curated Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – zesty fried snacks.

Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops

Almost on countless corners, there are small establishments and kiosks – lesser-known delights that are extremely favored by the locals.

In the heart of the city of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from early morning at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with fluffy buns covered in freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a simple joint operating in the historic quarter of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was set up, 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 boasts remarkable seasonal delights, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert found in the winter. The process of making it is scientific and demanding. The artisan beats the milk and then sets it out at night, allowing the nighttime moisture to give it its incredible frothy texture.

On cold mornings, street vendors are often seen in historic neighborhoods like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of however express concern that their younger generation do not want to master the art.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy positions it among the best of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, however, will occur only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its hidden eateries.

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

The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people worldwide to explore these stories and experience the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.