Lucknow, capital city of Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy (2024)– becoming India’s 2nd city after Hyderabad (2019) to earn this distinction. The recognition celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Awadhi cuisine, known globally for its royal flavours, sustainability, and deep cultural identity.
About the Recognition
- Announced by: UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
- Category: Gastronomy (culinary creativity)
- Network: UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- Number of cities in UCCN (2024): 408 cities from 100+ countries
- New addition (2024): Architecture introduced as the 8th creative field
Significance of Recognition
- Highlights Lucknow’s traditional Awadhi cuisine, its centuries-old food practices, and community-based culinary culture.
- Promotes sustainable gastronomy, local food industries, and eco-conscious food education.
- Positions Lucknow on a global culinary map, enhancing tourism, trade, and international cultural partnerships.
Offers opportunities for:
- Sharing culinary best practices with other creative cities
- Hosting cultural exchanges, research, and sustainable food innovation program.
About Awadhi Cuisine (Lucknow’s Culinary Identity)
- Origin: The Awadh region (present-day Lucknow) — known for its Nawabi and Mughlai culinary influences.
- Signature Dishes:
- Galouti kebab, Seekh kebab, Shami kebab, Nihari, Dum biryani, Sheermal, and Kakori kebab.
- Cooking Style: “Dum Pukht” — slow cooking over a low flame, sealing in aromas and flavours.
- Historical Note:
- Seekh kebab evolved from the shish kebab brought by Mongol invaders.
- Shami kebab was reportedly invented by a Syrian cook for a Nawab of Awadh.
- Represents culinary refinement, hospitality, and cultural fusion that define Lucknow’s identity.
Criteria for Becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
To qualify for this distinction, a city must demonstrate:
- A rich and authentic culinary heritage rooted in local identity.
- Use of traditional ingredients and cooking skills.
- Commitment to sustainability, environmental consciousness, and nutrition education.
- Support for community participation and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
- Active promotion of food-based innovation, festivals, and creative industries.
- Periodic review every four years to ensure continued adherence to UNESCO standards.
Benefits for Lucknow as a UNESCO Creative City
As part of the UCCN network, Lucknow can:
- Partner with other global cities on cultural and gastronomic collaborations.
- Exchange knowledge and best practices in sustainable food systems.
- Participate in joint policy research, urban cultural planning, and awareness campaigns.
- Boost its creative economy and tourism while preserving traditional food culture.
Indian Cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
India now has 9 cities recognized under different creative categories:
| City | Category | Year of Inclusion |
| Jaipur | Crafts & Folk Art | 2015 |
| Varanasi | Music | 2015 |
| Chennai | Music | 2017 |
| Mumbai | Film | 2019 |
| Hyderabad | Gastronomy | 2019 |
| Srinagar | Crafts & Folk Art | 2021 |
| Kozhikode | Literature | 2022 |
| Gwalior | Music | 2022 |
| Lucknow | Gastronomy | 2024 |
UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- Launched: 2004
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Objective: To promote cooperation among cities that use creativity and culture as strategic tools for sustainable urban development.
- Current Members: 408 cities across 100+ countries.
Total Fields (2024): 8 creative fields —
- Crafts and Folk Art
- Design
- Film
- Gastronomy
- Literature
- Media Arts
- Music
- Architecture (newly added)
Purpose:
- Encourage cities to integrate culture, creativity, and innovation into local policies.
- Build inclusive, sustainable cities aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Objectives of UCCN
- Recognize creativity as a core pillar of sustainable urban growth.
- Encourage public-private partnerships and civil society involvement in cultural development.
- Support creative entrepreneurship, urban innovation, and heritage conservation.
- Build cities that are economically resilient and socially inclusive.
About UNESCO
- Full Form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- Founded: 1945
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Director-General (2025): Khaled El-Enany (Egypt)
- Member States: 194
- India’s Membership: Founding member (since 1946)
- Main Mandate: Promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.
Major UNESCO Programs:
- World Heritage Sites
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists
- Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- Memory of the World Programme
Lucknow
- State: Uttar Pradesh
- Known as: City of Nawabs
- Cultural Identity: Blend of Mughal and Awadhi heritage
- Key Heritage Sites: Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Residency
- Famous Festivals: Lucknow Mahotsav, Awadh Food Festival
- Notable for: Tehzeeb (etiquette), Chikan embroidery, and Awadhi cuisine
Hyderabad (1st Indian Gastronomy City)
- Recognized: 2019 under UCCN for Gastronomy
- Famous for: Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Qubani ka Meetha
- Represents the fusion of Persian, Mughlai, and Telugu cuisines.