English
English
English
What makes Lucknow’s cuisine worthy of global acclaim? From melt-in-mouth kebabs to royal biryanis, UNESCO’s Creative Cities recognition under the ‘Gastronomy’ category celebrates the city’s culinary excellence, artistry, and rich heritage.
PM Modi hails global recognition of the city’s culinary excellence.
Lucknow: Lucknow, long celebrated as the culinary crown of North India, has achieved a historic milestone, UNESCO has added it to its Creative Cities Network (CCN) under the ‘Gastronomy’ category. Known for its exquisite Awadhi cuisine, from velvety Galouti kebabs to the delicately spiced Awadhi biryani and fluffy Makkhan Malai, the city has officially joined the ranks of the world’s top culinary destinations.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the inclusion of 58 new cities into the CCN, which now features 408 member cities across more than 100 countries, each recognized for leveraging creativity to drive sustainable cultural and economic development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride over Lucknow’s achievement, calling it a testament to India’s vibrant cultural and culinary identity. “Lucknow is synonymous with a rich heritage of taste and culture. I’m delighted that UNESCO has acknowledged this aspect of India’s diversity,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the recognition as a tribute to Lucknow’s exceptional contribution to India’s gastronomic legacy. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed it as a reflection of India’s growing cultural prominence on the world stage.
Rooted deeply in Awadhi traditions, Lucknow’s cuisine has evolved over centuries, influenced by Mughal kitchens and refined by generations of Nawabi chefs. The city’s food is a perfect blend of artistry and hospitality, symbolizing patience, precision, and passion.
Iconic eateries like Tunday Kababi in Aminabad stand as culinary landmarks. “Lucknow’s food isn’t just about taste, it’s about pride, history, and emotion,” said owner Mohd Usman, as locals rejoiced over the global honour.
From Galouti kebabs that melt effortlessly to sheermaal paired with spicy nihari, every dish tells a story of heritage. Even street delights like malai gilori and paani ke batashe carry the essence of royal indulgence.
According to Uttar Pradesh TourismMinister Jaiveer Singh, the nomination process began early this year and underwent a rigorous evaluation. “This global recognition not only honours Lucknow’s tradition and hospitality but also opens new avenues for tourism,” he said.
The city attracted over 8.27 million visitors in 2024, and tourism officials expect even higher numbers in 2025, reflecting its growing international appeal as a culinary destination.
Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary culture. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow and I call upon people from around the world to visit Lucknow and discover its uniqueness. https://t.co/30wles8VyN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 1, 2025
Food critics and chefs across India hailed the announcement. Culinary historian Pushpesh Pant called Lucknow the “Mecca of Indian gourmet culture,” while storyteller Himanshu Bajpai said it would cement Lucknow’s place among the world’s finest food capitals.
Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, a proud Lucknow native, said, “This recognition is not just about food, it’s about preserving authenticity and sharing our culture with the world.”
Lucknow’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network reaffirms that its real royalty lies not in palaces but in its kitchens. The city’s slow-cooked dum delicacies, delicate flavours, and timeless recipes represent more than cuisine, they embody India’s living heritage and cultural soul.
As PM Modi said, “It’s not just recognition for Lucknow, but a celebration of India’s incredible culinary artistry.”
