Why in News
  • Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been officially declared a UNESCO “Creative City of Gastronomy”, recognizing its centuries-old Awadhi culinary tradition, living food culture, and inclusive heritage.
  • The announcement was made during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Uzbekistan.
  • This marks Lucknow’s entry into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) — a global initiative celebrating cities that use creativity and culture as strategic levers for sustainable urban development.

ABOUT UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK

Feature Details
Established 2004 by UNESCO
Objective To promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable development.
Fields Covered 7 categories — Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
Membership (as of 2025) 350+ cities from around the world.
India’s Representation (Before Lucknow) Jaipur (Crafts & Folk Art), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Mumbai (Film), Srinagar (Crafts & Folk Art), Gwalior (Music), Kozhikode (Literature).
Now Added Lucknow — Creative City of Gastronomy (2025)

ABOUT LUCKNOW’S CULINARY HERITAGE

Aspect Details
Culinary Identity Awadhi Cuisine — influenced by Mughal, Persian, and regional Indian traditions.
Signature Dishes Galouti kebab, Kakori kebab, Nihari, Sheermal, Biryani, Kulcha, Roomali Roti, Sewaiyan, and Makkhan Malai.
Unique Features Slow-cooking (dum pukht), use of aromatic spices, refined presentation, and culinary etiquette (tehzeeb).
Cultural Symbolism Reflects the city’s composite culture (Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb) — a blend of Hindu and Muslim influences.

STATEMENTS & REACTIONS

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lucknow, stating: “Lucknow is synonymous with vibrant culture, at the core of which lies its great culinary heritage. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow.”
  • Tourism & Culture Minister, U.P. — Jaiveer Singh:
    • Said the recognition strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s global image as a leader in culinary tourism.
    • Described it as a step toward “Viksit Uttar Pradesh”, aligning with India’s broader cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism

TOURISM & ECONOMIC IMPACT

Indicator Data
Tourist Footfall (2024) 82,74,154 tourists (domestic + foreign)
First Half of 2025 Over 70,20,492 visitors
Expected Impact of UNESCO Tag Boost to culinary tourism, local food-based entrepreneurship, sustainable hospitality, and international visibility.

UP GOVERNMENT’S VISION

  • Leverage the UNESCO title to:
    • Promote food-based startups and innovation.
    • Integrate local artisans, chefs, and food entrepreneurs into the global market.
    • Enhance “Brand Lucknow” as a global gastronomic hub.
ABOUT CREATIVE CITY OF GASTRONOMY TAG This recognition is awarded to cities that:
  • Have a rich culinary heritage.
  • Promote sustainable food practices.
  • Use gastronomy as a driver for tourism, employment, and cultural exchange.
  • Encourage community participation in preserving food traditions.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECOGNITION

Dimension Impact
Cultural Global acknowledgment of Lucknow’s Awadhi cuisine as an integral part of India’s intangible cultural heritage.
Economic Boosts culinary tourism, hospitality industry, and food-based entrepreneurship.
Diplomatic Positions Lucknow as a hub of cultural diplomacy showcasing India’s “Unity in Diversity.”
Sustainable Development Aligns with UNESCO’s SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).
Urban Development Encourages urban planning that integrates culture, cuisine, and sustainability.