With its richly layered cuisine rooted in centuries of royal tradition, Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has been nominated by India as the country’s official entry for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the Gastronomy category.
This prestigious recognition, if granted, would place Lucknow alongside global culinary destinations such as Hyderabad (India’s only existing UNESCO City of Gastronomy), Chengdu in China, and Parma in Italy — cities where food is not merely sustenance but a cultural cornerstone.
Culinary Identity Woven into History
Lucknow’s nomination celebrates its Awadhi cuisine, a regal tradition shaped by Persian influences and refined in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs. From the delicate balance of spices in its dum pukht biryani to the melt-in-the-mouth texture of its Tunday ke kebabs, the city’s culinary offerings are an ode to slow cooking and meticulous craft.
Sweetmeats like shahi tukda, kesar kulfi, and the famed malai gilori stand in contrast to the rich gravies of nihari and the flaky bite of khasta kachoris, reflecting a gastronomic landscape that spans the sophisticated and the streetwise.
A Structured Bid for Global Recognition
The nomination was prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Departments, with support from heritage architect and consultant Abha Narain Lambah, known for her work on conservation and cultural documentation. The dossier submitted to UNESCO focuses not only on the dishes themselves but also on the intangible heritage — the oral traditions, cooking techniques, and community rituals that have sustained Lucknow’s culinary legacy for generations.
“The cuisine of Lucknow is not simply food — it is living history,” said a senior state tourism official. “It tells the story of a city, its migrations, its artistry, and its resilience.”
Economic and Cultural Implications
Inclusion in the UNESCO network is expected to boost cultural tourism, preserve traditional cooking practices, and stimulate the local food economy. It would also encourage collaborations between chefs, food historians, educators, and policy-makers, fostering innovation while safeguarding heritage.
Officials say Lucknow’s candidacy is strengthened by the strong link between its culinary practices and sustainable, community-based knowledge — a key criterion for UNESCO selection.
A Contender Among Cities of Flavor
If selected, Lucknow would join a growing cohort of cities worldwide recognized for their gastronomic excellence. The Creative Cities Network, launched by UNESCO in 2004, aims to promote cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic driver for sustainable urban development.
While Hyderabad was inducted in 2019, Lucknow’s nomination signals a deepening appreciation for India’s culinary diversity and its power to shape global cultural narratives.
A final decision is expected later this year following a review by UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre.
As the world’s food cultures grow increasingly homogenized, Lucknow’s nomination offers a counterpoint — a reminder that taste, memory, and place are deeply entwined.
