Context

Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh in India, has just been named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This happened on October 31, 2025, which is World Cities Day. It's a big honor for the city known for its tasty food. Lucknow is now the second Indian city to get this title, after Hyderabad in 2019. The news has made people excited, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated the city.

What is UNESCO's Creative Cities Network?

UNESCO is a part of the United Nations that works on education, science, and culture. The Creative Cities Network (UCCN) started in 2004 to help cities that are great in areas like music, film, design, or food. For gastronomy (which means the art of good eating), it picks cities with rich food traditions that promote creativity, jobs, and sustainability.

This year, UNESCO added 58 new cities to the network, making a total of about 350 cities worldwide. In the gastronomy category, there are now 70 cities, including Lucknow. Other examples are Hyderabad (India), Al-Madinah (Saudi Arabia), and Zaragoza (Spain). The goal is to share ideas, protect cultural heritage, and boost tourism.

The History of Lucknowi Cuisine

Lucknowi cuisine, also called Awadhi cuisine, comes from the Awadh region, where Lucknow was the capital under the Nawabs (rulers) during the Mughal times. It started over 200 years ago, but some say the roots go back 2,000 years. The Nawabs loved good food and hired skilled chefs who mixed Persian, Mughal, and local Indian flavors.

The food is famous for being rich and slow-cooked. Chefs use special methods like "dum pukht," where food is sealed and cooked slowly over low heat to keep the flavors in. It's not just about meat—there's a lot of vegetarian food too, often overlooked. The cuisine shows "Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb," a mix of Hindu and Muslim cultures, with dishes shared by all communities.From royal kitchens to street stalls, Lucknow's food tells stories of history, hospitality, and unity. It's passed down through families and chefs called "ustads."

Famous Dishes of Lucknowi Cuisine

1. Galouti Kebab: Soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat patties made for a Nawab who had no teeth. Eaten with paratha.
2. Awadhi Biryani: Rice cooked with meat, spices, and saffron. Different from other biryanis because it's lighter and more flavorful.
3. Nihari: A slow-cooked stew with meat, eaten for breakfast with kulcha bread.
4. Korma: Creamy curry with meat or veggies in a rich sauce.
5. Sheermal: Sweet, saffron-flavored bread.
6. Tokri Chaat: Crispy basket filled with spicy snacks.
7. Makhan Malai: Foamy, creamy dessert made from milk, often sold on streets in winter.
8. Roomali Roti: Thin bread like a handkerchief, and Zarda (sweet rice).
9. There are also sweets like Malai Gilori and vegetarian options like puri-kachori. Places like Tunday Kababi are famous for kebabs.

Why Was Lucknow Selected?

UNESCO chose Lucknow for its unique food heritage that mixes art, culture, and sustainability. The city's application, sent by the Uttar Pradesh government in January 2025, highlighted how food brings people together and supports local jobs. Experts like heritage architect Abha Narain Lambah helped prepare the documents with stories from chefs and families.The food scene includes royal recipes, street eats, and eco-friendly practices. It's seen as a way to promote peace and inclusivity through meals.

A Big Win for Lucknow

This title is a big boost. It will attract more tourists—Lucknow already had over 8 million visitors in 2024. Now, it can join global events, share recipes, and create jobs in food and tourism.Officials say it will make Lucknow India's food capital and help small vendors. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh called it a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh. Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat said every plate tells a story of unity.In short, this UNESCO tag puts Lucknow on the world map for its yummy food. It's a celebration of history, flavors, and community. If you love eating, plan a trip to try these dishes yourself!