Context:

UNESCO has officially designated Lucknow as a Creative City of Gastronomy under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) during its 43rd General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Background & Nomination Process

• • The designation comes under the “Gastronomy” sub-category of the UCCN, which identifies cities that leverage culinary heritage as part of creativity and sustainable development.
  • The nomination for Lucknow was prepared by the Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh and submitted to the Ministry of Culture on 31 January 2025.
  • The Government of India officially selected Lucknow as its entry on 3 March 2025.
  • With this recognition, Lucknow becomes the second Indian city to receive the gastronomy tag (after Hyderabad, designated in 2019).

About Cultural & Culinary Heritage:

Lucknow’s cuisine is rooted in the Awadhi tradition, with influences of Mughal, Persian and indigenous cooking methods, such as slow-cooking (dum pukht), aromatic spice blending, and royal kitchen legacy.

The recognition also emphasises Lucknow’s composite cultural ethos (Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb), where culinary traditions span across communities and social strata, from royal kitchens to humble stalls.

Significance:

·        Strengthens India’s soft power by promoting cultural diplomacy through cuisine.

·        Enhances sustainable tourism and supports local artisans, chefs, and small food enterprises.

·        Encourages preservation of traditional recipes and culinary craftsmanship.

·        Boosts economic and cultural development through global collaboration under the UCCN framework.

Other Indian Cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN):

• • Established: 2004
  • Objective: To foster cooperation among cities that leverage culture, creativity, and innovation for sustainable urban development.
  • Coverage: Over 350 cities worldwide across seven fields —
    Music, Film, Literature, Design, Gastronomy, Crafts and Folk Art, and Media Arts.
  • Promotes knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and inclusive growth.

Conclusion:

Lucknow’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy is a landmark achievement that celebrates India’s diverse culinary landscape and the living heritage of Awadhi cuisine. The recognition not only honors the city’s gastronomic excellence but also reinforces the role of culture as a driver of inclusive growth, sustainability, and international cooperation.