🔗 Share this article

Tempting kebabs, scented biryani, and airy, cloud-like desserts.

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

A Global Honor

Recently, UNESCO honored it as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy – adding it to a select group of world cities and sparking hopes that it will highlight Lucknow's exceptional food. With this designation, it joins a global network of more than four hundred cities across more than 100 countries focused on promoting "creativity as a driver of development that sustains urban life".

The accolade "is a testament to its centuries-old food heritage and lively culinary scene," as noted by a representative from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia.

Lucknow is only the second Indian city – after Hyderabad, which was selected in 2019 – to find a place in this prestigious list of 70 cities worldwide.

An Urban Center with a Culinary Soul

The accolade for this venerable city is no surprise to its locals or passionate food lovers. Many agree with the sentiment that it is "an honor long overdue".

With the UNESCO designation, this cherished, bustling, and vibrant city – the administrative center of India's biggest state – is now in the limelight for what has always defined its soul: an unparalleled passion for food.

"'What's for dinner, the method of preparation' is a ongoing conversation from morning until night in most homes," notes a local cultural expert. "And you are truly judged by the standard of food that emerges from your kitchen."

A Royal Culinary Legacy

The City of Nawabs – as it's often referred to after its historic affluent Muslim rulers – is famed for its tender kebabs and a singular take on biryani that were created, evolved, and taken to exquisite levels in their royal kitchens.

These kitchens of the nobility were epicenters of gastronomic creativity, merging Persian and native Indian styles to create what became known as the food of Awadh.

It was in that period that Lucknow's renowned kebabs were fashioned. As the tale is told that the mutton galouti was devised to cater to an ageing nawab who had lost his teeth. His culinary artists ground the meat with raw papaya, kesar, and a blend of spices and made it so fine 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 cooked on a gentle, slow heat, with the container's cover securely closed with dough.

More Than Just Famous Dishes

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

However, Lucknow is not only about kebabs and biryani – the region is additionally a dream for plant-based eaters.

The local Baniya community's cuisine not only showcases seasonal produce but also provides 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 little shops and kiosks – lesser-known gems that are immensely popular with the locals.

In the central district of Hazratganj, large gatherings start milling around from the crack of dawn at a famous tea stall to get a steaming cup of milky masala chai, presented in earthenware cups, along with pillowy soft buns slathered with freshly churned white butter.

To start the day, one can visit a simple joint situated in the historic quarter 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).

Ensuring Legacy Continues

The city also presents unique treats of the season, such as makkhan malai, a cloud-like dessert available in the winter. The technique of making it is intricate and demanding. The vendor hand-churns the milk and then leaves it out at night, allowing the dew to give it its unique light consistency.

On crisp mornings, street vendors line up in old city areas like Aminabad and Chowk. A number of but express concern that their children do not want to learn the craft.

A well-known culinary expert from Lucknow has often said that the city's immense food legacy puts 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 generate interest about its under-the-radar eateries.

Every dish in Lucknow comes with a history – shaped by multi-generational food businesses, from modest street carts to busy restaurants, and secret family recipes.

The international acclaim, it is believed, will encourage more people around the world to discover these tales and travel to the city to taste the food wonders of Lucknow.