🔗 Share this article Flavorful Kebabs, Fragrant Biryani along with a World More: Indian City Secures a Place on the UNESCO Culinary List. Biryani in Lucknow is cooked on a low, slow heat, with the vessel's cover tightly closed with dough. Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and fluffy, ethereal desserts. The northern Indian city of Lucknow has forever been a dream destination for epicures, with inhabitants and tourists equally praising its superb cuisine. A Global Honor Last month, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization honored it as a City of Gastronomy within its Creative Cities Network – adding it to a exclusive list of global cities and kindling hopes that it will spotlight Lucknow's peerless food. With this title, it enters a global network of over 400 urban centers across more than 100 countries committed to promoting "creativity as a catalyst of city development that is sustainable". The accolade "stands as proof of its deep-rooted 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 – after Hyderabad, which was picked in 2019 – to secure a position in this highly sought-after list of 70 cities worldwide. An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul The accolade for this historic city is no surprise to its locals or dedicated food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "a recognition that was delayed". With the UNESCO recognition, this cherished, bustling, and eclectic city – the capital of India's largest state – is at last in the spotlight for what has consistently shaped its soul: an unparalleled devotion for food. "'The day's menu, the method of preparation' is a continued conversation from morning until going to bed in many homes," states a local cultural expert. "And you are often evaluated by the quality of food that is produced in your kitchen." Lucknow is celebrated for its incredibly tender kebabs. An Imperial Food Tradition The Nawabi City – as it's widely known after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its succulent kebabs and a distinctive take on biryani that were invented, perfected, and raised to exquisite levels in their imperial kitchens. These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of culinary innovations, merging Iranian and local Indian styles to create what became known as the culinary tradition of Awadh. It was in this era that Lucknow's iconic kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was created to cater to an elderly nawab who had no longer had his teeth. His cooks processed the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so soft that it needed 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 closed with a flour paste. A Diverse Culinary Landscape Apart from the well-known kebabs and biryani, the culinary masters also developed a vast array of dishes that included kormas (creamy curries), sheermal (saffron-infused flatbread), and shahi tukda (a rich bread pudding). However, Lucknow is far more than kebabs and biryani – the region is also a vegetarian's paradise. The local Baniya community's cuisine not only highlights local ingredients but also gives the city its meticulously prepared Indian desserts, sweets, and distinctive street food, like chaat – spicy fried snacks. The city presents unique treats for the season, such as Makkhan Malai, a special frothy dessert, in the winter. Iconic Stalls and Historic Shops Virtually on many street corners, there are small establishments and stalls – lesser-known delights that are wildly favored by the locals. In the city center of Hazratganj, large gatherings start gathering from early morning at a legendary tea stall to get a piping hot cup of milky masala chai, served in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns lathered with hand-churned white butter. To start the day, one can make their way to a unpretentious joint operating in the old city area of Aminabad. Nearly 150 years after it was established, the place is still in great demand for its hot kachoris (fried bread stuffed with lentils) and jalebis (crispy, syrup-soaked sweets). A renowned tea stall is noted for its creamy spiced tea. Ensuring Legacy Continues The city also offers unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a airy dessert available in the winter. The process of making it is precise and complicated. The artisan hand-churns the milk and then exposes it at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique airy feel. On cold mornings, street vendors can be seen in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. Many however note that their children are reluctant to learn the craft. A celebrity chef from Lucknow has often said that the city's profound food legacy positions it at the very pinnacle of the Indian street food experience. The significant impact from the UNESCO recognition, it is believed, will materialize only if Lucknow can now build recognition about its hidden eateries. Every dish in Lucknow tells a story – influenced by multi-generational food businesses, from humble street carts to busy restaurants, and closely held family recipes. The worldwide honor, it is anticipated, will inspire more people around the world to explore these narratives and visit the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.