Copyright infringement not intended

Source: Times of India

Context

The World Heritage Centre recently received a proposal for Creative City Lucknow in the category of Gastronomy for Awadhi Cuisine.

Lucknow, the city of cuisines

Lucknow's gastronomic culture is heavily influenced by Awadhi cuisine, which originated during the Mughal and Nawabi eras. Cooking was more than simply a need here; it was considered an art form. The royal kitchens were marked by their use of dum pukht (slow cooking in sealed pots), aromatic spice blends, and careful presentation. Rakabdars, or royal chefs, were accorded the same respect as court poets and painters.

Every renowned dish tells a tale. The legendary Galouti kebab was created for a toothless nawab who still desired flavor. Historical rituals surround dishes such as nihari, which is customarily offered before dawn, and sheermal, a sweet saffron flatbread. In Lucknow, the kitchen has always been a showcase for flavor, memory, and elegance.

Famous Lucknow Dishes

Tunday Ke Kabab

Tunday Ke Kabab is a renowned variant of the traditional Galouti Kebab, famed for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, aromatic flavors. Each bite delivers a true taste of Lucknow’s royal culinary heritage.

Makhan Malai

Makhan Malai is a delicate and airy dessert made from milk, cream, and saffron. Light as a cloud, this winter-special treat offers a subtly sweet and luxurious experience for the palate.

Khasta Kachori

Khasta Kachori is a crisp, deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mix of lentils or potatoes. This popular North Indian snack is known for its flaky texture and bold, savory flavors.

Shahi Tukda

Shahi Tukda is a rich Mughlai dessert made with fried bread slices soaked in flavored milk and garnished with ghee, dry fruits, and sugar syrup. It’s a royal indulgence in every bite.

UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN)

• The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global network of cities that see culture and creativity as key drivers of sustainable urban development.
• UCCN was established in 2004.
• The network focuses on seven creative disciplines: crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music.

Indian cities in the UCCN

Several Indian cities have been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Creative City Network.

The network currently comprises:

• Jaipur and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts), 
• Varanasi, Chennai and Gwalior (Music), 
• Mumbai (Film), 
• Hyderabad (Gastronomy), 
• Kozhikode (Literature)

Source: Financial Express