Lucknow: A Culinary Jewel on Unesco's Gastronomy List

Sat Dec 20 2025 09:30:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Explore how Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, earned its place in Unesco's Creative Cities of Gastronomy for its rich culinary heritage, renowned dishes like biryani and kebabs, and a vibrant food ecosystem.

Lucknow, known for its exquisite cuisine, has been recognized by Unesco as a Creative City of Gastronomy. This prestigious title honors its long-standing culinary traditions, spotlighting dishes such as kebabs and biryani that define its food culture. As the second Indian city to receive this honor, Lucknow aims to emerge as a culinary destination that celebrates its rich history and diverse offerings, from street food to fine dining.

Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and whipped cloud-like desserts mark the culinary landscape of Lucknow, a northern Indian city revered as a paradise for food lovers. Recent recognition by Unesco as a Creative City of Gastronomy has set the stage for Lucknow to shine a spotlight on its rich food heritage and vibrant culinary ecosystem.

With this designation, Lucknow joins a select network of 408 cities globally that promote creativity as a means of sustainable urban development. Tim Curtis, director of the Unesco Regional Office for South Asia, noted that this honor reflects the city's deep-rooted culinary traditions while paving the way for international collaboration.

Being only the second Indian city—after Hyderabad—to receive such a prestigious title further cements Lucknow's reputation in the culinary world. As Ranveer Brar, a notable chef, aptly put it, this recognition is a long-overdue acknowledgment of the city's culinary contributions.

Lucknow's rich history as the City of Nawabs has given birth to iconic dishes that are at the heart of its food culture. The city's culinary innovations blend Persian and local Indian influences, with famous mutton galouti kebabs created to please an aging nawab known for his dietary restrictions. The exclusive Dum Pukht slow-cook method, a hallmark of Awadhi cuisine, emphasizes the importance of time and care in food preparation.

Not only celebrated for non-vegetarian dishes, Lucknow also boasts a vibrant vegetarian scene. Seasonal desserts like Makkhan Malai and spicy street food such as chaat are integral to the city's food offerings. Popular spots like Sharmaji Tea Stall and Netram continue to attract crowds with their traditional offerings, reflecting a legacy of culinary craftsmanship.

While Lucknow's food landscape is rich, the challenge remains to create awareness around its lesser-known eateries. Culinary advocates like chef Brar emphasize that the true value of the Unesco recognition will be realized through greater exposure for these hidden gems.

With every dish telling a story, Lucknow is poised to attract food enthusiasts seeking to embark on a culinary journey like no other. This newfound international acclaim hopes to foster a greater appreciation for the tradition and history that defines Lucknow's unique gastronomy.