Lucknow Recognised as UNESCO ‘City of Gastronomy’ for Its Rich Awadhi Culinary Heritage

The UNESCO has officially recognised Lucknow as part of its Creative Cities Network (UCCN) under the “City of Gastronomy” category. This prestigious title celebrates the city’s centuries-old culinary legacy, deeply rooted in Awadhi cuisine and the region’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb — a unique cultural blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

This recognition highlights Lucknow’s global culinary significance, bringing its world-famous kebabs, sweets, and street food to the international stage.

Announcement at UNESCO General Conference

The announcement was made during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
It marks a historic milestone for Lucknow and India’s cultural diplomacy, positioning the city among the world’s top gastronomic destinations.

Nomination Process

• The Directorate of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, prepared the nomination dossier.
• The proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Culture on 31st January 2025.
• India officially nominated Lucknow for the “City of Gastronomy” tag on 3rd March 2025.
• The dossier highlighted the city’s culinary diversity, innovation, and sustainable food traditions.

This successful nomination represents a joint effort between the state government, local chefs, artisans, and heritage experts to preserve and promote Lucknow’s food culture globally.

Cultural Heritage and Awadhi Cuisine

Lucknow’s inclusion is rooted in its rich Awadhi cuisine, known for its royal origins and timeless recipes.

The nomination highlighted traditional delicacies such as:

• Galouti Kebab and Tunday Kebab – symbols of Lucknow’s royal kitchens.
• Nihari-Kulcha, Puri-Kachori, and Tokri Chaat – famous local favourites.
• Malai Gilori and Makhan Malai – classic sweets that reflect cultural finesse.

These dishes represent Lucknow’s composite culture, where culinary art evolved through centuries of refinement and cultural exchange.

Significance of the ‘City of Gastronomy’ Tag

The UNESCO City of Gastronomy title brings several key benefits:

• Promotes sustainable and cultural tourism.
• Supports local chefs, artisans, and small food businesses.
• Helps preserve traditional recipes and cooking methods.
• Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power through cuisine.
• Encourages knowledge exchange and innovation with other UNESCO creative cities.

This recognition reinforces India’s global image as a land of diverse culinary traditions and supports efforts to integrate heritage with modern innovation.

Other Indian Cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

With Lucknow’s inclusion, India now has nine cities in the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network:

Lucknow now joins Hyderabad as India’s second City of Gastronomy, reaffirming India’s culinary richness.

About the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

• Established: 2004
• Purpose: To promote cities that use culture, creativity, and innovation as strategic elements for sustainable urban development.
• Fields Covered: Music, Film, Literature, Design, Gastronomy, Crafts and Folk Art, and Media Arts.
• Network Size: Over 350 cities worldwide across more than 100 countries.

UCCN encourages international collaboration, knowledge sharing, and policy innovation for culturally driven economic growth.