Lucknow: India's Culinary Jewel Recognized by UNESCO

Sat Dec 20 2025 06:23:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The northern Indian city of Lucknow has been officially recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, spotlighting its rich culinary heritage that includes iconic dishes like kebabs and biryani.

Lucknow, known for its delectable kebabs and biryani, has been honored as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition highlights the city's traditional culinary practices and aims to enhance its global food tourism. With roots in Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow's food scene is steeped in history, reflecting the opulence of its Nawabi past. Esteemed chefs express hope that this accolade will promote awareness of the city’s rich gastronomic culture.

Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped cloud-like desserts are just a glimpse of what the northern Indian city of Lucknow has to offer. Recognized by UNESCO last month as a Creative City of Gastronomy, Lucknow now stands proudly among a global network of 408 cities committed to promoting creativity towards sustainable urban development.

This recognition pays tribute to the city's profound culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem, as noted by Tim Curtis from UNESCO's Regional Office for South Asia. It not only honors the rich cultural legacy of Lucknow but also opens up new avenues for international culinary collaborations.

Historically known as the City of Nawabs, Lucknow is famous for its unique take on kebabs and biryani that reflects centuries of culinary evolution influenced by Persian and local Indian styles. Among its renowned creations are the galouti kebabs, originally crafted to satisfy an aging nawab, and the slow-cooking technique of Dum pukht, where dishes are sealed and cooked slowly to preserve flavor.

Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar reflects the sentiment of many locals, joyfully pointing out that this recognition may be overdue but is nonetheless gratifying. Local residents and culinary enthusiasts alike expect that with this global spotlight, Lucknow’s rich food heritage will attract food lovers worldwide.

Alongside its carnivorous delights, Lucknow offers an impressive array of vegetarian options, influenced heavily by the local community. Seasonal specialties, including the unique makkhan malai, a fluffy dessert, embellish the culinary landscape further.

The city's bustling streets are lined with tea stalls, snack shops, and eateries that have been operating for generations. Notably, the Sharmaji Tea Stall serves masala chai in clay cups, beloved by early morning crowds, while Netram continues to attract locals with its deep-fried kachoris and sweet jalebis.

Culinary advocates hope that the UNESCO status will not only elevate the visibility of traditional cuisines but also provide a platform for lesser-known eateries to gain recognition.

Ultimately, every dish in Lucknow weaves together stories of heritage, culture, and the art of cooking. As Lucknow embraces this new chapter in its culinary journey, the world is invited to explore the exquisite flavors and deep-rooted traditions that define this remarkable city.

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