Lucknow, the city famous for its Nawabi hospitality and mouth-watering food, has made the country proud by earning UNESCO’s ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ tag. This prestigious honour comes as a recognition of Lucknow’s centuries-old culinary culture, bringing the city international acclaim and hope for further tourism growth. The announcement was made at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This makes Lucknow the second Indian city after Hyderabad to join an elite group of about 70 gastronomy hubs worldwide.​

A Taste of Heritage and Unity

Known for its aromatic Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow has long been a magnet for food lovers. Its world-famous dishes like galouti kebab, Awadhi biryani, tokri chaat, puri-kachori, and malai gilori are not just a treat to the taste buds but also tell stories of history, culture, and unity.

The UNESCO tag celebrates not only the food but also the craftsmanship of the chefs and street vendors who keep these traditions alive. According to officials, the city’s nomination featured recipes, stories, and cooking techniques collected from royal households to small stalls, emphasising Lucknow’s unique blend of artistry, hospitality, and Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb synonym for communal harmony that defines the city.​

Path to Global Recognition

The journey towards this international recognition started early in 2025, when Uttar Pradesh’s Directorate of Tourism presented Lucknow’s case to India’s Ministry of Culture. The nomination showcased the city’s food legacy, stressing how the cuisine acts as a bridge between communities and generations. The Government of India then selected Lucknow as the country’s official entry in March, leading to this remarkable achievement by October.

Behind the scenes, heritage experts and local officials meticulously documented traditional recipes, oral histories, and the evolution of Lucknow’s food from the grandeur of royal kitchens to the lively lanes lined with street food stalls. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network looks for cities that demonstrate creativity as a tool for sustainable urban development and cultural diplomacy, and Lucknow’s application stood out amongst the best.​

Boost for Culinary Tourism and Local Economy

Officials in Lucknow believe that this honour will give tourism and the local food industry a big boost. With over 8.2 million visitors in 2024 and more than 7 million between January and June 2025, food and culture are already proving to be major crowd-pullers. The UNESCO status is expected to open new opportunities for small food entrepreneurs, encourage investment in sustainable food practices, and promote food-led tourism routes. There are plans to train local chefs, provide better market access for vendors, and protect the culinary traditions and livelihoods at the heart of Lucknow’s economy.​

At the heart of Lucknow’s victory are the timeless traditions that have made the city a food lover’s paradise. The Awadhi kitchen, famous for its use of aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and delicate desserts, is seen as the soul of Lucknow. The food here is not just about taste, it’s about sharing history and expressing hospitality. The nomination and subsequent recognition underline how food serves as an instrument for building dialogue, inclusivity, and a sense of community.​

A Place on the World Map

By adding Lucknow to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the world has officially recognised the city’s contribution to global culinary culture. The title is a milestone for the people of Uttar Pradesh and all of India, putting the city on a map with other gastronomy greats like Hyderabad, Quanzhou, Zaragoza, and Kelowna. While Lucknow continues to welcome guests with its warm hospitality and legendary food, the new title is expected to encourage cultural exchange, tourism, and preservation of its unique food heritage for future generations.​

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