🔗 Share this article Succulent Kebabs, Aromatic Biryani and So Much More: Indian City Gains Recognition on the UNESCO Culinary List. Biryani in Lucknow is simmered on a gentle, leisurely heat, with the vessel's cover tightly closed with a paste of flour. Mouth-watering kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, ethereal desserts. The metropolis in India's north of Lucknow has consistently been a food lovers' paradise, with inhabitants and tourists equally praising its exquisite cuisine. A Global Honor In a recent announcement, UNESCO honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – adding it to a exclusive group of world cities and igniting hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this status, it enters a international community of cities cities across over 100 countries committed to promoting "innovation as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable". The accolade "is a testament to its profound food heritage and dynamic culinary scene," as stated by a spokesperson 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 prestigious list of 70 cities around the world. An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul The honor for this venerable city is no surprise to its inhabitants or avid food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "better late than never". With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, chaotic, and vibrant city – the capital of India's most populous state – is at last in the limelight for what has perennially defined its essence: an immense devotion for food. "'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a constant dialogue from waking up until going to bed in most homes," explains a local cultural expert. "And you are actually evaluated by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen." Lucknow is celebrated for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs. A Heritage of Nawabi Cuisine The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its 18th and 19th Century opulent Muslim rulers – is renowned for its tender kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were created, evolved, and raised to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens. These royal kitchens were centers of culinary innovations, blending Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh. It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the galouti kebab was invented to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His chefs minced the meat with raw papaya, saffron, and spices and made it so silky that it needed no chewing. But perhaps the greatest contribution of the chefs of Awadh was the slow-cooking Dum pukht technique, where food is cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the pot's lid tightly closed with a flour paste. More Than Just Famous Dishes Apart from the obvious kebabs and biryani, the cooks also built up a repertoire 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 also a vegetarian's paradise. The local traditionally vegetarian community's cuisine not only celebrates local ingredients but also provides the city its exquisitely crafted Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks. The city offers unique treats for the season, such as Makkhan Malai, a one-of-a-kind airy dessert, during winter months. Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops Nearly on many street corners, there are little shops and stalls – little-known delights that are immensely popular with the locals. In the city center of Hazratganj, throngs of people start assembling from the crack of dawn at a renowned tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, offered in earthenware cups, along with incredibly soft buns covered in hand-churned white butter. For breakfast, one can make their way to a simple joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Almost 150 years after it was established, the place is still much sought-after for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets). A famous tea stall is celebrated for its milky spiced tea. Ensuring Legacy Continues The city also offers special treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a frothy dessert savored in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and complicated. The artisan whisks the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its amazing frothy texture. On crisp mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Some however express concern that their children do not want to master the craft. A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has noted 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 materialize only if Lucknow can now generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries. Every dish in Lucknow has a narrative – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to bustling restaurants, and closely held family recipes. The worldwide honor, it is hoped, will encourage more people globally to discover these tales and travel to the city to delight in the culinary delights of Lucknow.