Lucknow, India — The northern Indian city of Lucknow, famed for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, aromatic biryani and rich street-food culture, has been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a “City of Gastronomy”, elevating its centuries-old food traditions onto the global culinary map. The recognition, announced on 31 October 2025, has drawn international attention to the city’s deep culinary roots and vibrant food scene — and marked a milestone for India’s gastronomic heritage.
Historic Recognition on World Cities Day
The designation was unveiled by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, coinciding with World Cities Day. Lucknow becomes the second Indian city — after Hyderabad — to receive this prestigious title under the gastronomy category of the UCCN, which now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries that leverage creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.
According to UNESCO officials, the recognition honours Lucknow’s rich cultural legacy and vibrant culinary ecosystem, and is a testament to its living food traditions — both in historic royal kitchens and bustling modern street stalls.
Awadhi Cuisine: Royal Origins and Street-Food Soul
Lucknow’s entry into the UNESCO list spotlights its Awadhi cuisine, which evolved under centuries of Mughal and Nawabi influence to produce dishes that are now legendary among food lovers globally. The city’s gastronomy is renowned for its succulent kebabs — like galouti and tunday kabab — and its signature biryani, slow-cooked over gentle heat using the celebrated dum pukht method that seals in flavour and aroma.
But the culinary story of Lucknow extends well beyond kebabs and biryani. The city’s kitchens — from regal court fare to neighbourhood chaat corners — have also produced a kaleidoscope of foods, including:
- Kormas and rich curries simmered with subtle spices
- Sheermal and saffron-kissed breads
- Sweet treats like makhan malai and jalebi
- Spicy street snacks such as tokri chaat and golgappe
- Seasonal vegetarian delights like nimona and bharwa tinda that showcase locally grown produce
Locals and food experts alike say the city’s cuisine reflects Lucknow’s unique cultural fusion — where Persian refinement, North Indian spices and South Asian culinary craftsmanship meet in each dish.
Culinary Heritage Meets Contemporary Innovation
Part of what impressed UNESCO was not only the heritage cooking techniques and age-old recipes documented in the city’s nomination dossier, but also its living, evolving food culture. This encompasses family-run eateries passed down through generations, thriving food markets such as Hazratganj and Aminabad, and a community commitment to preserving culinary knowledge.
Modern trends are also emerging, such as innovative plant-based interpretations of classic dishes, which balance tradition and sustainability while appealing to diverse palates. These contemporary variations are reshaping how Lucknow’s food is conceived without losing its distinct identity.
National and International Reactions
India’s political leadership warmly welcomed the news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Lucknow for its achievement, emphasising that the city’s gastronomy is synonymous with cultural richness and inviting food lovers around the world to experience its flavours first-hand. Other national and state leaders echoed the sentiment, calling the UNESCO acknowledgment a historic moment for the country’s culinary prestige.
Food writers, chefs and cultural commentators also hailed the recognition as validation of a tradition in which food serves as a bridge between history, community and identity — a narrative that places Lucknow’s cuisine alongside the globe’s most celebrated culinary capitals.
Tourism, Culture and Future Prospects
The UNESCO title is expected to boost culinary tourism significantly, drawing international visitors eager to savour authentic Awadhi flavours and experience the city’s rich food heritage in situ. Local businesses — from street vendors to boutique restaurants — stand to benefit from heightened global interest, opening new avenues for growth, training, and cultural exchange.
Officials also see the accolade as a means to promote sustainable culinary practices, support small food producers and foster a deeper appreciation for food as a form of cultural expression that contributes to urban vitality and economic resilience.
A Global Stage for India’s Gastronomy
Lucknow’s inclusion on the UNESCO culinary list shines a spotlight on India’s food diversity and depth, joining the ranks of cities that celebrate gastronomic creativity, heritage and social connectivity. With kebabs, biryani, desserts and street delights now officially part of its cultural legacy, Lucknow invites the world to explore a palate that is as historic as it is delicious — a fragrant, simmering feast of culture and culinary excellence.
