Lucknow Enters UNESCO List as 'Creative City of Gastronomy': A Global Recognition of India's Culinary Capital

Lucknow Enters UNESCO List as 'Creative City of Gastronomy': A Global Recognition of India's Culinary Capital

In a momentous achievement for India's cultural heritage, Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, has officially been designated as a UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy' on October 31, 2025, during the 43rd Session of UNESCO's General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This prestigious recognition places Lucknow among the world's elite culinary destinations and marks a historic milestone for the city, making it only the second Indian city to achieve this distinction after Hyderabad, which received the title in 2019.

The announcement on World Cities Day represents not just a celebration of Lucknow's legendary Awadhi cuisine but also a validation of centuries of culinary artistry, cultural refinement, and the city's unique Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—a harmonious blend of Hindu and Muslim cultural traditions reflected in every dish served in this historic city.

What Makes Lucknow a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy?

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), established in 2004, recognizes cities that have demonstrated creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. With this year's additions, the network now comprises 408 cities across more than 100 countries, with Lucknow becoming one of 70 global gastronomy hubs recognized for culinary excellence.​

Lucknow's recognition celebrates its over 100-year-old Awadhi culinary tradition, which seamlessly blends royal kitchen refinement with vibrant street food culture. The nomination dossier, meticulously prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Tourism and led by heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah, documented the city's gastronomic evolution from royal courts to bustling bazaars. The research included stories, traditional recipes, and oral histories from master chefs (khansamas), ustads, and local families, highlighting how Lucknow's cuisine transcends religion and class, creating a living culinary tradition that continues to evolve.

The Journey to Global Recognition: From Nomination to UNESCO Approval

The path to Lucknow's UNESCO recognition began early in 2025. Here's a timeline of this significant achievement:

January 31, 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Tourism submitted Lucknow's detailed nomination dossier to the Union Ministry of Culture, presenting a comprehensive case for the city's gastronomic heritage.

March 3, 2025: The Government of India officially selected Lucknow as the country's entry for the "Creative City of Gastronomy" category, positioning it as India's representative on the global stage.

October 31, 2025: UNESCO formally designated Lucknow as a Creative City of Gastronomy during its 43rd General Conference, placing the city among globally renowned culinary destinations. ​

This structured approach reflected the joint efforts of state government authorities, local chefs, artisans, heritage experts, and cultural organizations working together to preserve and promote Lucknow's food culture worldwide.

Iconic Dishes that Earned Lucknow Global Recognition

Lucknow's UNESCO designation celebrates the city's remarkable array of traditional dishes, each representing centuries of culinary evolution and cultural significance. These iconic foods featured prominently in the nomination dossier as symbols of artistry, community engagement, and cultural heritage:​

Galouti Kebab: Often described as melting in your mouth, these legendary kebabs are made from finely minced meat seasoned with over 150 carefully balanced spices and cooked to perfection on a hot griddle. Representing the pinnacle of Lucknow's royal kitchens, Galouti kebabs showcase the city's dedication to culinary craftsmanship.​

Awadhi Biryani: A culinary masterpiece that showcases the "dum" cooking technique—a slow-cooking method where rice and marinated meat are layered and cooked together in a sealed pot, allowing flavors to meld and develop to their full potential. This technique, invented by the Nawabs' chefs, distinguishes Lucknow's biryani from other Indian biryanis.

Tunday Kebab: Another legendary kebab variety from historic Lucknow kitchens, symbolizing generations of culinary expertise and refinement.

Nihari-Kulcha: A slow-cooked stew traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast dish, representing the communal and family-oriented aspects of Lucknow's food culture.

Puri-Kachori & Tokri Chaat: Beloved street food staples that reflect the democratic nature of Lucknow's gastronomy, where royal influences meet accessible street food culture.

Malai Gilori & Makhan Malai: Delicate desserts and sweets that showcase the city's finesse in creating elaborate confections, reflecting centuries of sweet-making traditions.

These dishes represent not merely recipes but cultural narratives that reflect Lucknow's harmony of refinement, warmth, and artistic excellence—qualities that define the city's unique identity.

Understanding Awadhi Cuisine: Royal Roots and Cultural Significance

To truly appreciate Lucknow's UNESCO recognition, one must understand the historical and cultural foundations of Awadhi cuisine, which dates back to the 18th century during the reign of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula when the city emerged as a new center of culture, art, and gastronomy as the Mughal Empire declined.

The Royal Kitchen Legacy

The Nawabs of Awadh, renowned for their patronage of the arts, employed master chefs called khansamas and rakabdars (gourmet cooks) who elevated cooking to an art form. These culinary maestros competed to create increasingly refined dishes, giving birth to what is now recognized globally as Awadhi cuisine. The cuisine represents a sophisticated culinary system influenced by Persian, Arabic, Central Asian, and local North Indian traditions, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and techniques. ​

Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb in Every Plate

What makes Lucknow's food culture exceptional is its reflection of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—the syncretic cultural blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions. This philosophy is embedded in every aspect of Lucknow's gastronomy, where culinary art became a medium of dialogue, inclusivity, and community harmony. The city's food represents centuries of cultural exchange, where different communities contributed their influences to create something uniquely Lucknowi. ​

Signature Cooking Techniques

The "dum" style of cooking—the art of slow-cooking over low heat in sealed vessels or traditional clay ovens (tandoors)—represents one of Awadh's most significant contributions to Indian cuisine. This technique allows ingredients to be marinated in heavy spices and then cooked slowly, enabling flavors to develop to their full potential, resulting in tender, succulent meats and fragrant biryanis that are characteristic of Lucknow. ​

Lucknow's Vibrant Street Food Culture: From Chowk to Hazratganj

While Lucknow's royal kitchen traditions hold historical significance, the city's street food culture is equally important to its UNESCO recognition. The nomination process highlighted how Lucknow's gastronomy exists at all levels—from royal establishments to bustling street stalls where the same passion for cooking and community engagement thrives.

Historic Food Hubs

Chowk: The narrow lanes of this historic area are filled with legendary food vendors serving authentic Chaat, Nihari-Kulcha, and traditional sweets like Malai Makhan. The area represents centuries of continuous food tradition. ​

Aminabad: One of Lucknow's oldest and most popular markets, Aminabad is a haven for food lovers with everything from Galouti Kebabs to Kulfi, maintaining traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Hazratganj: Modern Lucknow's heart, yet rich in street food culture, Hazratganj offers an array of Chaat stalls serving tangy and spicy snacks that continue to draw locals and tourists alike.

These locations aren't merely commercial spaces—they represent living museums of culinary heritage where traditional knowledge is actively preserved and passed down through families and communities.

Economic and Tourism Impact: A New Era of Culinary Tourism

The UNESCO designation comes at a significant time for Lucknow's tourism sector, which is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2024, Lucknow recorded 8,274,154 tourists (domestic and foreign), while in the first half of 2025 alone, over 7,020,492 visitors arrived, demonstrating the city's growing appeal as a destination.

With Uttar Pradesh expecting to welcome 1.3 billion tourists in 2025 (a 100% increase from 2024), Lucknow is positioned to capture a significant share of this growth through culinary tourism initiatives. The state's tourism sector is projected to contribute Rs 70,000 crore to the economy by 2028, with tourism footfall potentially reaching 80 crore (800 million) visitors. ​

Strategic Development Opportunities

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to leverage this recognition by developing structured initiatives including: ​

• The "Lucknow Food Trail": Connecting heritage eateries, traditional markets, and artisanal workshops
• Heritage walks and storytelling dinners: Immersing visitors in the city's culinary narratives
• Live cooking sessions and culinary classes: Enabling visitors to learn from master chefs
• Support for local food entrepreneurs: Training programs and market access for traditional vendors
• Sustainable culinary practices: Protecting both heritage traditions and the livelihoods that depend on them​

How UNESCO's Creative Cities Network Benefits Lucknow

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network operates as a global network promoting cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic driver of sustainable urban development. For Lucknow, this membership unlocks numerous advantages:

International Collaboration & Cultural Exchange: Access to a global network of 408 cities, enabling knowledge sharing, joint culinary initiatives, and international gastronomic festivals.

Enhanced Tourism Appeal: UNESCO recognition provides an international platform that builds confidence among travelers about the authenticity and quality of experiences available in the destination.

Economic Diversification: Beyond tourism, the designation supports local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small food businesses through market access, training programs, and sustainable practice initiatives.

Cultural Preservation: The recognition validates traditional practices and incentivizes their preservation for future generations while supporting the communities and families who maintain these traditions.​

Sustainable Development: The network emphasizes sustainable food systems, local ingredient sourcing, and practices that protect both cultural heritage and environmental resources.jagranjosh​

Criteria for UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Recognition

To understand why Lucknow qualified for this prestigious designation, it's important to know the criteria UNESCO evaluates:A rich and well-established culinary heritage with deep historical roots

• Traditional cooking methods and use of indigenous ingredients
• Active food markets and festivals celebrating culinary traditions
• Community participation in sustaining and promoting food culture
• Commitment to environmental sustainability and nutrition education
• Support for local food producers and culinary artisans
• Innovation and evolution of culinary traditions while maintaining authenticity

Lucknow demonstrated excellence across all these criteria, showcasing how its centuries-old traditions continue to evolve while maintaining their essential character.

Global Company: Lucknow Among the World's Premier Gastronomy Cities

With this designation, Lucknow joins an elite group of 70 gastronomy cities worldwide, including renowned culinary destinations such as Parma (Italy), Chengdu (China), Tucson (USA), Zaragoza (Spain), Quanzhou (China), Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (Saudi Arabia), and Kelowna (Canada).

This placement on the global stage positions Lucknow as a premier destination not just within India but in the context of world gastronomy, opening doors for international collaborations, research partnerships, and culinary exchanges.

India's Growing Representation in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network

With Lucknow's inclusion, India now has 10 cities recognized in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, significantly expanding the country's cultural footprint on the global stage. Previous Indian designations include:

• Hyderabad (Gastronomy, 2019)
• Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Art)
• Varanasi (Music)
• Chennai (Music)
• Mumbai (Film)

This growing representation reflects India's rich creative heritage and the global recognition of Indian cultural contributions to various creative fields.

Looking Ahead: Lucknow's Future as a Global Culinary Destination

The UNESCO designation marks not an endpoint but the beginning of a new chapter for Lucknow. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh emphasized that "culinary tourism has been attracting tourists to Uttar Pradesh for generations and the state has immense potential to lead this sector in the coming years."

As Lucknow embraces its new identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, the focus will be on balancing heritage preservation with innovation, supporting traditional vendors while welcoming contemporary culinary expressions, and ensuring that economic benefits reach local communities who have sustained these traditions for centuries.

For food enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and culinary tourism professionals worldwide, Lucknow now represents an unmissable destination—a living embodiment of how culinary traditions can serve as bridges between history and modernity, communities and cultures, tradition and innovation.

This article is crafted to rank well for tourism, food culture, and UNESCO-related searches while providing comprehensive, authoritative information that serves both casual readers and serious food culture enthusiasts—perfect for your blog audience in India and the diaspora community community.

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