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UNESCO dubs India’s Lucknow as ‘Creative city of gastronomy’
The designation makes Lucknow the second Indian city after Hyderabad to receive the honor.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 03, Nov 2025
- 14:48 EST
- 27
Representative Image / Unsplash
UNESCO on Oct. 31 designated Lucknow as a “Creative City of Gastronomy” at the 43rd session of its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, formally recognizing the city’s rich culinary traditions and global influence.
The designation makes Lucknow the second Indian city after Hyderabad to receive the honor. It acknowledges the city’s Awadhi cuisine, known for dishes such as dum pukht biryani, galouti kebabs, korma, and sheermal, as well as its long tradition of hospitality associated with the nawabi era.
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India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the announcement, writing on social media, “Pleased at the designation of Lucknow as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. A deserving recognition of Lucknow’s unique culinary culture as well as India’s diverse gastronomy traditions.”
Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Amrit Abhijat said the recognition reflects Lucknow’s deep-rooted food heritage that spans royal kitchens and street vendors alike.
“In 2024, Lucknow recorded nearly 8,274,154 tourists (domestic and foreign), while in the first half of 2025 alone more than 7,020,492 visitors arrived, showing how food and culture continue to drive tourism growth,” he said.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the recognition would give new momentum to culinary tourism in Uttar Pradesh. “Culinary tourism has been attracting tourists to Uttar Pradesh for generations and the state has immense potential to lead this sector in the coming years,” he said.
According to officials, Lucknow’s Directorate of Tourism submitted the nomination to the Ministry of Culture on Jan. 31, and the Government of India selected it as the country’s official entry on March 3.
The nomination dossier, prepared by the state’s tourism department with support from heritage consultants, highlighted Lucknow’s ability to preserve traditional culinary techniques while adapting to modern tastes. It also showcased the city’s vibrant street-food culture and its role in connecting local markets, artisans, and food entrepreneurs.
The announcement on Oct. 31 confirmed the city’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which promotes cooperation among cities that prioritize creativity and culture in sustainable urban development.
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network now includes 350 cities across seven creative fields—literature, film, music, crafts, design, media arts, and gastronomy. Lucknow’s inclusion, officials said, reaffirms India’s growing global recognition for its diverse food cultures.
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