Lucknow Declared UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for Its Rich Culinary Heritage

Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, has officially been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its rich Awadhi cuisine and centuries-old food traditions. The announcement was made on World Cities Day during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh and India on the global stage.

A Global Honour for Awadhi Cuisine

This milestone positions Lucknow among the world’s top gastronomic destinations, alongside cities such as Hyderabad, Quanzhou, Zaragoza, and Kelowna. The recognition highlights the city’s ability to preserve its living culinary heritage while fostering innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the honour underscores Lucknow’s culinary legacy and boosts Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to India’s cultural and economic growth. “This recognition strengthens our vision of a Viksit Uttar Pradesh where food heritage drives sustainable tourism and employment,” he said.

Culinary Tourism on the Rise in Uttar Pradesh

According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, Lucknow welcomed over 8.2 million visitors in 2024, with more than 7 million recorded in just the first half of 2025. The city’s royal kitchens, street food culture, and community-based eateries continue to attract both domestic and international travellers.

Principal Secretary (Tourism & Culture) Amrit Abhijat said the UNESCO title will further boost tourism, entrepreneurship, and global visibility. “Every plate served in Lucknow tells a story of unity, artistry, and heritage,” he noted.

How Lucknow Won UNESCO’s Creative City Tag

The nomination process began in early 2025, led by the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, and Special Secretary Eesha Priya. The detailed dossier, supported by heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah, documented the city’s diverse food ecosystem — from royal kitchens to street vendors — and included recipes, oral histories, and cultural narratives.

The Union Ministry of Culture endorsed Lucknow’s nomination on 3 March 2025, following which UNESCO conducted a detailed evaluation. On 31 October 2025, the city was officially designated a Creative City of Gastronomy, joining a global network of 70 cities recognised for creative excellence in food culture.

A Living Culinary Legacy: From Kebabs to Culture

Lucknow’s timeless dishes — Galouti Kebab, Awadhi Biryani, Tokri Chaat, Malai Gilori, Makhan Malai, and Motichoor Laddu — are not just recipes but reflections of its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (syncretic culture). The city’s cuisine blends refinement, hospitality, and warmth, making it a model for culinary diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

Boost to Cultural Diplomacy and Local Economy

The UNESCO title is expected to open new doors for international collaborations, food-based startups, and culinary tourism circuits. Uttar Pradesh’s focus on gastronomy-driven tourism is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s mission to elevate the state as a global cultural destination.

Conclusion: A New Era for Lucknow’s Food Heritage

Lucknow’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy goes beyond a title — it’s a tribute to a city where food narrates stories of heritage, unity, and resilience. This global honour not only celebrates Awadhi cuisine but also paves the way for sustainable tourism, food entrepreneurship, and international cultural exchange in Uttar Pradesh.

FAQs About Lucknow’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Recognition

1. What is the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation?
It’s a global recognition by UNESCO that honours cities with a unique and sustainable culinary heritage that contributes to creativity, culture, and tourism.

2. When was Lucknow declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy?
Lucknow received the title on 31 October 2025 during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

3. Why was Lucknow chosen for this recognition?
The city was selected for its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, community-based food culture, and commitment to promoting sustainable culinary traditions.

4. Which other Indian city holds this title?
Hyderabad is another Indian city recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, known for its Hyderabadi Biryani and rich culinary diversity.

5. How will this recognition benefit Uttar Pradesh?
It will boost culinary tourism, local employment, food-based entrepreneurship, and international collaborations, enhancing the state’s global visibility.