In a moment of immense pride for India, Lucknow, the ‘City of Nawabs’, has officially been recognised by UNESCO as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’. This prestigious honour places the city’s legendary culinary heritage on the global stage, cementing what food lovers have known for centuries: Lucknow isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience a culinary art form.
Joining an Elite Global Network
The announcement came as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) expansion, which this year welcomed 55 new cities. Lucknow joins this elite club alongside other Indian cities like Kozhikode (City of Literature) and Gwalior (City of Music), affirming the nation’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry.
The UCCN recognition is not just a food award. It’s an acknowledgement of a city’s commitment to placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of its development plans. For Lucknow, this means its gastronomic traditions—from the royal kitchens of Awadh to its bustling street-side stalls—are now seen as a key driver for sustainable urban development and cultural preservation.
A Taste of History: The Heart of Lucknowi Cuisine
For anyone who has walked through the lanes of Aminabad or Hazratganj, the aroma of charcoal-grilled kebabs and cardamom-laced biryani in the air makes this news no surprise. Lucknow‘s cuisine is a symphony of flavours, a legacy of the opulent Nawabi era refined over generations. It’s the home of the dum pukht style of slow-oven cooking, where food is sealed in a pot and cooked in its own juices, creating dishes that are tender, aromatic, and incredibly nuanced.
This is history on a plate, featuring iconic dishes such as:
- Galouti Kebab: A delicacy so soft it was said to be created for a toothless Nawab.
- Tunday Kebab: Made with a fiercely guarded secret blend of over 100 spices.
- Lucknowi Biryani: Fragrant, delicately spiced rice and meat cooked to perfection.
- Kakori Kebab: Renowned for its fine texture that simply melts in your mouth.
- Sheermal: A mildly sweet, saffron-flavoured flatbread that accompanies rich curries.
Beyond the Plate: A Celebration of Culinary Culture
This UNESCO recognition goes beyond just the iconic dishes. It celebrates the entire ecosystem: the generations of khansamas (master chefs) who have preserved these traditions, the local artisans who craft special utensils, and the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb (a syncretic culture) that has allowed these culinary arts to flourish. It’s a culture where food is intertwined with hospitality, poetry, and a unique leisurely grace, or nazaakat.
What’s Next for the City of Nawabs?
This global spotlight is expected to be a massive catalyst for tourism, putting Lucknow on the map for food enthusiasts worldwide. The UNESCO title will empower local chefs and restaurateurs, encouraging them to preserve authentic recipes while innovating for a new generation. As part of a global network, the city can now look forward to international food festivals, chef exchange programmes, and collaborative projects that will further enrich its gastronomic scene.
This isn’t just an award for Lucknow; it’s a global invitation to come and experience a centuries-old feast where every meal is a celebration of life, art, and history.
