Lucknow Joins UNESCO’s Creative Cities Of Gastronomy: A Culinary Paradise For Food Lovers!

Published on December 20, 2025

In an exciting turn of events for food lovers and culture fans, the northern Indian city of Lucknow has obtained a highly coveted spot on UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy list. The news of this acknowledgment, which was proclaimed last month, positions the city in the same league of top-notch global cities that have made a commitment to culinary excellence. Lucknow is now, after Hyderabad in 2019, the second Indian city to be recognized for its abundance and variety of food culture.

A city steeped in history, Lucknow’s culinary delights have always been a focal point for both locals and visitors. From its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs to the aromatic biryani and delicate sweets, the city’s cuisine mirrors its vibrant cultural heritage and historical significance. Now, this recognition is set to elevate Lucknow’s status as a gastronomic destination, drawing even more tourists eager to explore its mouthwatering offerings.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

Lucknow, often referred to as the City of Nawabs, owes much of its culinary fame to the royal kitchens of the Awadh region, which thrived under the 18th and 19th-century Muslim rulers. It is within these kitchens that some of the city’s most iconic dishes were born. The slow-cooked biryani, fragrant kebabs, and rich kormas all have their roots in these opulent kitchens, blending Persian and Indian cooking techniques.

One of the city’s most celebrated dishes, the Galouti Kebab, is steeped in royal history. Legend has it that the recipe was created specifically for a Nawab who had lost his teeth and needed a kebab so soft it could melt in the mouth. To this day, these kebabs remain a symbol of Lucknow’s culinary sophistication and are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Another culinary treasure that hails from the Nawabi kitchens is the Dum Pukht technique. This method of slow-cooking food in a sealed pot, which was popularised by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah during a famine, has since become an iconic part of Lucknow’s food scene. The technique not only preserves the rich flavours of the ingredients but also infuses each dish with a unique depth that can’t be replicated through faster cooking methods.

Lucknow’s Food Culture: A Diverse Offering

While Lucknow is widely known for its kebabs and biryani, the city also offers a wealth of other dishes that reflect its culinary diversity. The city’s vegetarian offerings are equally impressive, particularly during the winter months when the Makkhan Malai, a frothy dessert made from hand-churned milk exposed to the dew overnight, is a seasonal delight. This dessert is a local favourite and a perfect example of the intricate food preparation techniques that have been passed down through generations.

For those with a penchant for street food, Lucknow has plenty to offer. The city’s bustling streets are lined with vendors serving up chaat, crispy fried snacks with a burst of spicy and tangy flavours. These street-side eateries not only offer an authentic taste of local food but also provide a glimpse into the city’s food culture, which is deeply rooted in the everyday lives of its people.

A Growing Tourist Destination for Food Lovers

Tourists visiting Lucknow are not only treated to a feast for the senses but also have the chance to experience the city’s vibrant culture and history. The city’s culinary heritage is intertwined with its local traditions, and each dish tells a story of the people who have lived here for centuries.

According to local experts, the recent UNESCO recognition is expected to bring a fresh wave of international attention to Lucknow’s food scene. Madhavi Kuckreja, the founder of the Sanatkada Trust, which works to preserve and promote the city’s food heritage, believes that this recognition will encourage tourists to explore Lucknow’s lesser-known eateries and culinary gems. She hopes that this new international acclaim will also support the preservation of traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.

As Chef Ranveer Brar, an advocate for Lucknow’s food culture, pointed out, this recognition might have come a little later than expected, but it is certainly a moment to celebrate. He also emphasised that the city’s food, with its distinct flavours and techniques, deserves to be at the forefront of global culinary tourism.

A Bright Future for Lucknow’s Culinary Tourism

With its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy network, Lucknow is poised to become a must-visit destination for food lovers around the world. The city’s culinary scene, rich with historical significance and cultural pride, has much to offer tourists looking to experience authentic Indian cuisine.

Visitors can explore the food scene in the city’s historic streets, taste dishes that have been perfected over centuries, and immerse themselves in the local culture. Whether it’s a plate of steaming biryani, a perfectly cooked kebab, or a sweet treat from a local street vendor, Lucknow’s food offers a genuine taste of the city’s soul.

In the coming years, Lucknow’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy will no doubt help foster greater international collaboration and exchange, making the city an even more vibrant destination for those with a passion for food. For now, the residents of this iconic city continue to share their love for food, ensuring that the next generation will carry on the traditions that make Lucknow’s cuisine so unique.

A Food Lover’s Dream

To sum up, the recent acknowledgment of Lucknow by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy is an indicator of the city’s rich culinary heritage. The food culture of the city is a lovely mixture of history, tradition, and innovation, from its royal past to contemporary street food. For visitors wanting to taste real Indian food and become part of the lively local culture, Lucknow guarantees an unforgettable and tasty experience.