UNESCO recognises Lucknow as Creative City of Gastronomy for its culinary heritage on World Cities Day.
For Lucknowites, this is a proud moment. Our city, known for its elegance, culture, and hospitality, has now earned global recognition for something we’ve always known – the magic of Awadhi cuisine. From royal kitchens to bustling streets, Lucknow’s flavors have traveled through centuries, and the world is finally taking notice.
What Does Being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy Mean?
UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network highlights cities that use culture and creativity as a driving force for sustainable development. Being named a City of Gastronomy is a rare honour – fewer than 70 cities worldwide have this title. It recognizes not just the taste of the food, but the history, techniques, and traditions behind it. For Lucknow, it’s an acknowledgment of the skill, artistry, and passion of generations of chefs and cooks who have preserved Awadhi cuisine.
The Culinary Story of Lucknow
Lucknow’s cuisine has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. The region of Awadh saw a unique blend of Hindu, Muslim, Indic, and Persian influences, which came together to create a rich culinary tradition. The city earned names like Shiraz-e-Hind and The Golden City of India, celebrating its refinement, art, and epicurean excellence.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Nawabs of Awadh elevated cooking to an art form. In their royal kitchens, skilled bawarchis and rakabdars perfected the dum pukht method – a slow-cooking technique that locks in flavors and aromas. They created dishes that are still celebrated today: galouti kebabs that melt in your mouth, fragrant biryanis layered with spices, rich kormas, delicate sheermal breads, and indulgent desserts like shahi tukda.
From Royal Courts to Busy Streets
While royal kitchens created masterpieces, the streets of Lucknow kept the cuisine alive for everyone. Markets like Chowk, Hazratganj, and Wazirganj are more than shopping destinations – they are living museums of Awadhi culinary heritage. Street vendors and small eateries have adapted royal recipes for everyday tables, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy world-class flavors without entering a palace.
For Lucknowites, this means every meal tells a story. A bite of kebab isn’t just about taste; it’s about history, tradition, and the skill passed down through generations. From the aroma of spices in a busy street to the elegance of slow-cooked dishes, Lucknow’s food culture is a journey through time.
Why This Matters
Being recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy is more than just an award – it’s a celebration of Lucknow itself. It highlights our city’s creativity, cultural richness, and culinary legacy. It puts Lucknow on the global map, encouraging visitors from around the world to experience our food, markets, and traditions firsthand.
And for locals, it’s a moment of pride and reflection. It reminds us of the value of preserving our traditions, supporting local chefs, and celebrating the flavors that make our city unique. Every galouti kebab, every piece of shahi tukda, and every plate of korma is now officially part of a heritage recognized worldwide.
A Taste of UNESCO Heritage
So the next time you walk through the bustling streets of Hazratganj or Chowk, or sit down to enjoy a slow-cooked Awadhi feast, remember – you’re tasting more than food. You’re experiencing centuries of history, culture, and culinary mastery. And now, the world agrees: Lucknow is a city where gastronomy is not just a part of life – it’s a living, celebrated art form.
For Lucknowites, this recognition is a reminder of what we’ve always known: our city is not only beautiful and historic but also one of the finest culinary capitals in the world. And yes, being from Lucknow just got a little tastier.
Lucknow’s UNESCO-recognized Awadhi cuisine is just one part of the region’s rich food culture. You can also explore some traditional dishes of Eastern U.P. here.
Disclaimer: This post is based on publicly available information from UNESCO and news reports. The views expressed about Lucknow’s cuisine are those of the author and meant to celebrate the city’s culinary heritage
Image credit: travel.earth
