It’s official! Lucknow declared UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ for Its iconic cuisine

While we Lucknowites have always known that our city’s cuisine ranks among the finest in the world, it’s now officially recognized on the global stage. Following its nomination earlier this year by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Lucknow has been awarded the esteemed title of ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ for its iconic culinary heritage.

Announced on October 31 to mark World Cities Day, at the 43rd session of its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, officials declared the UP capital as one of the newest additions to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title is awarded to cities that demonstrate a rich culinary heritage, sustainable food practices, and a strong commitment to preserving and promoting local cuisine. These cities are recognized not only for their traditional food culture but also for their innovation in agriculture, food production, gastronomy education, and the use of local ingredients.

Hyderabad was the first city in India to receive this distinction, earning the title in 2019. Now, with this latest recognition, Lucknow becomes the second Indian city to join the prestigious list, standing alongside global culinary hubs such as Alba (Italy), Belém (Brazil), Burgos (Spain), Östersund (Sweden), and Saint Petersburg (Russia), among others.

UNESCO's recognition shines a spotlight on Lucknow's remarkable Awadhi cuisine, celebrated for its delicate balance of flavours, slow-cooking methods, and age-old techniques preserved through generations. From the melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs to the fragrant Lucknawi biryani and classic regional sweets, the city’s food culture has long stood as a testament to its rich heritage and refined culinary art.

“Lucknow’s inclusion as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy reflects its profound gastronomic legacy and dynamic food landscape,” shared Tim Curtis, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia. He noted that this achievement not only honours the city's historical food traditions but also sets the stage for global partnerships in sustainable urban growth. The milestone was widely celebrated across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh among the many dignitaries who extended heartfelt congratulations to Lucknow on this momentous occasion.

Officials anticipate that UNESCO’s recognition will greatly enhance tourism in Lucknow and draw international interest to India’s rich regional cuisines. The designation is also expected to uplift the local economy by empowering traditional food artisans, chefs, small vendors, and heritage-based culinary ventures that collectively keep the city’s legacy alive.