The aroma of kebabs, the richness of biryanis, and the elegance of Awadhi cuisine have long defined Lucknow’s cultural heartbeat. Now, the world has taken notice. On World Cities Day, UNESCO officially named Lucknow a Creative City of Gastronomy, recognising its centuries-old culinary legacy and creativity that continues to evolve with time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Lucknow on the honour, calling it a city where “vibrant culture and great culinary tradition go hand in hand.” Taking to X, he invited the world to experience Lucknow’s flavours firsthand, saying the city’s food culture is at the very core of its identity.
With this recognition, Lucknow joins the global list of 70 gastronomy cities and becomes only the second Indian city to receive this honour after Hyderabad.
The announcement was made during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a proud moment for India’s cultural and culinary map.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the recognition as a milestone that enhances Lucknow’s global stature. “This honour strengthens India’s soft power and opens new avenues for culinary tourism, heritage conservation, and international collaboration,” he said.
The city’s nomination journey began earlier this year when the Directorate of Tourism submitted its proposal to the Ministry of Culture. By March, Lucknow had been chosen as India’s official entry and now, the effort has culminated in global glory.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that “culinary tourism has always been the soul of Uttar Pradesh,” adding that this designation will help transform Lucknow into a global food destination. The numbers speak for themselves over 8.2 million visitors in 2024, and more than 7 million in just the first half of 2025.
From royal kitchens perfecting galouti kebabs to bustling streets serving nihari and tunday delights, Lucknow’s food is a bridge between history and innovation.
With UNESCO’s Creative City tag, the city’s flavours are set to travel far beyond its bustling lanes inviting the world to take a bite of its royal past and deliciously dynamic future.