Lucknow: India's Culinary Gem Joins UNESCO's Creative Cities of Gastronomy

Sat Dec 20 2025 06:27:10 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Lucknow, known for its kebabs and biryani, has been recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its rich culinary heritage and traditions.

The Indian city of Lucknow has been designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, joining a network that promotes sustainable urban development through culinary creativity. Renowned for its rich food culture, including famous dishes like kebabs and biryani, this recognition aims to enhance Lucknow's global culinary reputation and encourages food lovers to explore its vibrant gastronomic traditions.

Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped cloud-like desserts—Lucknow, a city steeped in rich food tradition, has proudly earned its place as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The designation, received last month, highlights the city's culinary heritage and hopes to attract global recognition for its dishes and cultural practices.

Joining a select group of 408 cities worldwide, Lucknow's new status acknowledges its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem, according to Tim Curtis, director of UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia. This recognition marks Lucknow as the second Indian city to receive such honor, following Hyderabad's inclusion in 2019.

Celebrated chef Ranveer Brar remarked that this accolade, while welcomed, comes a bit later than it should have—a sentiment shared broadly among food enthusiasts. The local cuisine combines elegance with complexity, echoing its historical narrative shaped by the Nawab era, when royal kitchens pioneered cooking techniques and flavors, blending Persian and Indian influences.

Central to this culinary legacy is the slow-cook Dum Pukht method, where ingredients are sealed in a pot to enhance flavors over time—a creation of necessity during times of famine that turned into an art form. Stories of renowned dishes like the mutton galouti kebabs—a specialty created for an aging Nawab—add to the rich tapestry of Lucknow's dining culture.

Additionally, the local vegetarian cuisine, supported by the Baniya community, is highlighted by unique seasonal offerings like Makkhan Malai, a frothy winter dessert that requires precise techniques and is made from hand-churned milk.

As interest in the local food scene surges, cafes and tea stalls, like the revered Sharmaji Tea Stall, remain must-visit spots, serving up traditional chai alongside delicious street foods. The hope is that the UNESCO recognition will spotlight these hidden gems and provide a platform for sharing the rich stories behind each dish and eatery, encouraging global visitors to explore the culinary wonders of Lucknow.