LUCKNOW: The city of Nawabs has officially clinched global recognition as UNESCO declared Lucknow a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ during its 43rd General Conference. This prestigious designation celebrates the city’s centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and its profound cultural contribution to India’s culinary landscape.
Lucknow now becomes only the second Indian city—after Hyderabad—to receive this coveted title under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), solidifying its place on the international culinary map.
The UNESCO honour recognizes the city’s rich gastronomic heritage, which evolved under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh. The nomination dossier highlighted Lucknow’s distinctive cooking styles and dishes, which seamlessly blend art, refinement, and history.
Dum Pukht Technique: The unique slow-cooking method that seals in aroma and flavor.
Iconic Delicacies: Dishes like the melt-in-your-mouth Galouti Kebabs, fragrant Awadhi Biryani, and famed desserts such as Malai Gilori and Makhan Malai.
Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb: The cuisine’s reflection of the city’s harmonious Hindu-Muslim cultural blend, transcending royal kitchens to its bustling street food culture.
Boosting Tourism and Heritage
Officials have stated that the ‘Creative City’ status is expected to dramatically boost culinary tourism, support local food entrepreneurs, and strengthen the preservation of traditional recipes and cooking methods.
“This recognition not only highlights Lucknow’s culinary legacy but also strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s role in India’s growth story. The Creative City status will strengthen global outreach, promote food-based entrepreneurship, and encourage more sustainable tourism.” — [Spokesperson from the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department]
With this global stamp of approval, Lucknow is now poised to leverage its gastronomic assets for inclusive economic growth and cultural diplomacy, inviting food lovers from across the world to experience its legendary flavors.
