Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been officially recognized by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” last month. This designation acknowledges the city’s deeply rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food culture, adding it to a network of 408 cities globally committed to sustainable urban development through creativity.
A Legacy of Flavor
The recognition, as stated by Tim Curtis, director and representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, “is a testament to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem” and “honours the city’s rich cultural legacy while opening new avenues for international collaboration.” Lucknow joins Hyderabad as only the second Indian city to receive this honor.
Known as the “City of Nawabs” due to its 18th and 19th-century rulers, Lucknow’s cuisine is celebrated for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs and distinctive biryani. These dishes evolved within the royal kitchens, blending Persian and Indian styles to create the cuisine of Awadh.
The Art of Slow Cooking
Central to Awadhi cuisine is the “Dum pukht” technique – a slow-cooking method where food is sealed in a pot with dough, allowing flavors to meld over low heat. This technique gained prominence during a famine in the 18th century when Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah initiated a work-for-food program, creating one-dish meals in large cauldrons.
The Dum pukht technique was later popularized by the late chef Imtiaz Qureshi, whose influence can be seen in acclaimed restaurants like Bukhara and Dum Pukht in Delhi, both featured on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Beyond Kebabs and Biryani
While famous for its kebabs and biryani, Lucknow also boasts a rich vegetarian culinary tradition, influenced by the Baniya community. The city offers a diverse range of street food, including chaat, and unique seasonal desserts like “makkhan malai,” a cloud-like delicacy created through a complex process involving hand-churned milk and exposure to dew.
Local establishments like Sharmaji Tea Stall, operating since 1949, and Netram, established in 1880, continue to serve traditional dishes, with sixth-generation owners like Pranshu Agarwal of Netram dedicated to preserving their family’s culinary legacy. “This runs in my blood. There is nothing else I would rather do,” Agarwal stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network?
It is a network of 408 cities across more than 100 countries committed to promoting “creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.”
What is “Dum pukht”?
It is a slow-cook technique where food is cooked on a low heat, with the pot’s lid tightly sealed with dough.
When did Hyderabad receive the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation?
Hyderabad was selected in 2019.
As Lucknow gains international recognition for its culinary prowess, the question remains: how will this newfound spotlight impact the preservation of its traditional food culture and support the generations of cooks who have shaped its unique flavors?
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