Lucknow has earned global recognition after being officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, as per a news update on pmindia.gov.in. The announcement was made during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Friday (October 31,2025), marking a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh and India’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, shared on X, “Lucknow has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition of its distinguished culinary heritage and invaluable contribution to India’s rich gastronomic traditions. This honour enhances Lucknow’s global stature, positioning it as a premier destination for food and culture, and opens new avenues for tourism promotion, culture-led economic growth, heritage conservation, and international collaboration through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, India’s timeless traditions, culture, and values continue to attain unprecedented recognition and respect on the global stage..”
With this honour, Lucknow becomes only the second Indian city to receive the title, following Hyderabad, which joined the network in 2019. The distinction was conferred in recognition of the city’s distinctive Awadhi cuisine, its deep-rooted culinary traditions, and its enduring influence on India’s gastronomic identity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared on X, “Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary culture. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow and I call upon people from around the world to visit Lucknow and discover its uniqueness.”
A global recognition for a historic culinary legacyThe UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was established in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a key element of sustainable urban development. Currently, 408 cities across the world are part of the network, spanning seven creative fields — gastronomy, literature, design, music, film, media arts, and crafts & folk art. Of these, 70 cities, including Lucknow, now hold the ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ title.
To qualify for this recognition, cities must have and demonstrate a strong connection between their culinary traditions and cultural identity, a thriving community of chefs and food artisans, and a sustainable approach to food production that respects biodiversity and local resources. They are also expected to support food-related education, promote traditional markets, and encourage innovation while preserving heritage recipes.
However, the designation is not a permanent one. Meaning, UNESCO reviews each city’s progress every four years to ensure it continues to meet the network’s criteria.
Often called the City of Nawabs, Lucknow’s culinary identity is inseparable from its royal past. It’s no surprise that the city’s food culture flourished under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh. They brought refinement, artistry, and subtlety to traditional Indian cooking. Did you know that the dum pukht style, a slow-cooking method that seals in aroma and flavour, is among Lucknow’s most celebrated contributions to world cuisine?
When visiting the city of Lucknow, make sure you have ample time to explore the city’s historic Chowk and Hazratganj markets. These pockets are bustling culinary hubs where traditional eateries continue to serve recipes passed down through generations. From the famous Tunday Kababi to century-old sweet shops, Lucknow’s gastronomic map showcases how royal culinary heritage coexists with thriving street food culture.
The cooking techniques that are passed down generations, the use of indigenous ingredients, and a communal pride in local food traditions were key factors in Lucknow’s nomination, which the city submitted to UNESCO earlier this year.
India’s growing presence in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network
Lucknow’s achievement adds to India’s expanding representation in the global creative landscape. The country now has ten cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, including Jaipur (for crafts and folk art), Varanasi (for music), Chennai (for music), and Mumbai (for film), among others. The addition of Lucknow further strengthens India’s cultural footprint, particularly in the culinary domain.
For Lucknow, the UNESCO tag serves as both a recognition and a responsibility. It places the city on a global platform of culinary excellence while encouraging continuous innovation in food preservation, sustainability, and cultural exchange. With its new title as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Lucknow stands poised to represent India’s rich culinary heritage on the world stage, a true testament to the enduring legacy of Awadhi cuisine.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, shared on X, “Lucknow has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition of its distinguished culinary heritage and invaluable contribution to India’s rich gastronomic traditions. This honour enhances Lucknow’s global stature, positioning it as a premier destination for food and culture, and opens new avenues for tourism promotion, culture-led economic growth, heritage conservation, and international collaboration through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, India’s timeless traditions, culture, and values continue to attain unprecedented recognition and respect on the global stage..”
With this honour, Lucknow becomes only the second Indian city to receive the title, following Hyderabad, which joined the network in 2019. The distinction was conferred in recognition of the city’s distinctive Awadhi cuisine, its deep-rooted culinary traditions, and its enduring influence on India’s gastronomic identity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared on X, “Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary culture. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow and I call upon people from around the world to visit Lucknow and discover its uniqueness.”
A global recognition for a historic culinary legacyThe UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was established in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a key element of sustainable urban development. Currently, 408 cities across the world are part of the network, spanning seven creative fields — gastronomy, literature, design, music, film, media arts, and crafts & folk art. Of these, 70 cities, including Lucknow, now hold the ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ title.
To qualify for this recognition, cities must have and demonstrate a strong connection between their culinary traditions and cultural identity, a thriving community of chefs and food artisans, and a sustainable approach to food production that respects biodiversity and local resources. They are also expected to support food-related education, promote traditional markets, and encourage innovation while preserving heritage recipes.
However, the designation is not a permanent one. Meaning, UNESCO reviews each city’s progress every four years to ensure it continues to meet the network’s criteria.
Often called the City of Nawabs, Lucknow’s culinary identity is inseparable from its royal past. It’s no surprise that the city’s food culture flourished under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh. They brought refinement, artistry, and subtlety to traditional Indian cooking. Did you know that the dum pukht style, a slow-cooking method that seals in aroma and flavour, is among Lucknow’s most celebrated contributions to world cuisine?
When visiting the city of Lucknow, make sure you have ample time to explore the city’s historic Chowk and Hazratganj markets. These pockets are bustling culinary hubs where traditional eateries continue to serve recipes passed down through generations. From the famous Tunday Kababi to century-old sweet shops, Lucknow’s gastronomic map showcases how royal culinary heritage coexists with thriving street food culture.
The cooking techniques that are passed down generations, the use of indigenous ingredients, and a communal pride in local food traditions were key factors in Lucknow’s nomination, which the city submitted to UNESCO earlier this year.
India’s growing presence in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network
Lucknow’s achievement adds to India’s expanding representation in the global creative landscape. The country now has ten cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, including Jaipur (for crafts and folk art), Varanasi (for music), Chennai (for music), and Mumbai (for film), among others. The addition of Lucknow further strengthens India’s cultural footprint, particularly in the culinary domain.
For Lucknow, the UNESCO tag serves as both a recognition and a responsibility. It places the city on a global platform of culinary excellence while encouraging continuous innovation in food preservation, sustainability, and cultural exchange. With its new title as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Lucknow stands poised to represent India’s rich culinary heritage on the world stage, a true testament to the enduring legacy of Awadhi cuisine.
You may also like
US PE firm TGH in talks to pump up to $6 billion into Vodafone Idea
ET Exclusive: Mehli Mistry approaches Maharashtra Charity Commissioner over Tata Trusts ouster
'WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!': Harmanpreet's leap, Deepti's strike, and India's tears of glory – Watch the winning moment
'Our World Cup began that night': Harmanpreet Kaur on how one defeat united India to script history
NDA has turned Bihar into 'market of labourers': Rahul Gandhi
