Why in News?
On 31 October 2025, UNESCO announced that Lucknow had been admitted to the Creative Cities Network under the category of gastronomy. The designation, made public during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, recognises the city’s centuries‑old Awadhi culinary tradition. Lucknow is now one of just two Indian cities – the other being Hyderabad – recognised for their distinctive food culture, and the award is expected to boost tourism and international collaboration.
Background
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was launched in 2004 to encourage cooperation among cities that use creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable development. The network covers seven fields: crafts and folk art, media arts, film, design, gastronomy, literature and music. Members commit to sharing best practices and developing partnerships that strengthen creativity‑based economies. In India, cities like Chennai (music), Jaipur (crafts), Varanasi (music) and Srinagar (crafts) have previously joined the network. Lucknow’s entry into the gastronomy category reflects its famed Awadhi cuisine, a blend of Mughal techniques and local innovations. The city’s food culture evolved over hundreds of years under the patronage of Nawabs and embodies the syncretic Ganga–Jamuni ethos of the region.
Highlights of Lucknow’s nomination
- Showcase of iconic dishes: The dossier prepared by Uttar Pradesh’s tourism and culture departments highlighted dishes such as galouti kebab, Awadhi biryani, sheermal and tokri chaat as examples of artistry and innovation.
- Food as heritage and dialogue: The proposal emphasised that communal meals and culinary festivals foster social harmony and serve as vehicles for dialogue between communities. The centuries‑old practice of slow cooking (dum pukht) and the use of aromatic spices are integral to Awadhi identity.
- Timeline of selection: Lucknow submitted its dossier in January 2025, was shortlisted in March and received confirmation of its inclusion on 31 October 2025, World Cities Day. The nomination underwent peer review and evaluation by an international panel of experts.
- Development plans: As a creative city, Lucknow plans to organise culinary exchanges, preserve traditional recipes through documentation, support street vendors and create food museums and workshops. Emphasis will be placed on sustainability, including reducing food waste and promoting locally sourced ingredients.
Why this recognition is important
- Boosting tourism: UNESCO branding attracts international visitors and helps promote heritage walks, food tours and culinary festivals, generating income for local businesses.
- Supporting artisans and livelihoods: Recognition can improve market access for small restaurateurs, chefs and artisans who maintain traditional cooking techniques. It encourages young chefs to innovate while staying rooted in heritage.
- Cultural diplomacy: Being part of the UCCN allows Lucknow to exchange knowledge with other creative cities across the world and to showcase Indian cuisine on global platforms.
Sources: Hindustan Times