Lucknow Named UNESCO Creative City Of Gastronomy

PICTURE CREDIT – INDIA.UN.ORG

India-West News Desk

LUCKNOW – The aroma of galouti kebabs, slow-cooked nihari, and fragrant biryani has wafted Lucknow onto the global stage. UNESCO has officially recognized the Uttar Pradesh capital as a Creative City of Gastronomy, honoring its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and vibrant food culture.

The announcement, made on World Cities Day, October 31, places Lucknow among 58 cities added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for 2025. It now joins Hyderabad, which received the same distinction in 2019, as India’s second city to be celebrated for its culinary excellence.

With this addition, the UCCN now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries, spanning creative fields such as crafts, design, literature, music, film, media arts, gastronomy, and the newly introduced category of architecture.

Tim Curtis, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia, called the honor “a testament to Lucknow’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem.” He noted that the recognition “celebrates the city’s cultural legacy while creating new opportunities for international collaboration.”

UNESCO highlighted Awadhi cuisine—renowned for its delicate balance of spices, slow-cooking techniques, and royal lineage—as the heart of Lucknow’s gastronomic identity. The city’s legendary tundey kebabs, sheermal, and dum biryanis reflect not just recipes but living traditions passed down through generations of rakabdars (royal chefs).

Beyond its famed dishes, Lucknow’s food culture thrives in its bustling street markets, traditional eateries, and modern culinary ventures that continue to reinterpret heritage with innovation. From the lanes of Aminabad to upscale dining on Gomti Nagar’s riverfront, the city’s cuisine bridges nostalgia and novelty.

Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network fosters collaboration among cities that place creativity and culture at the core of sustainable urban development. As a member, Lucknow will now engage with global partners to promote culinary tourism, empower local food artisans, and support inclusive economic growth rooted in its gastronomic traditions.