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Lucknow's Rumi Darwaza illuminated, celebrating its UNESCO recognition

Lucknow Named UNESCO Creative City for Its Rich Culinary Heritage

Analysis Date: November 01, 2025

Why in News?

  • Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, has been officially recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, honouring its rich and diverse culinary heritage.
  • This global recognition places Lucknow among the world’s top cities promoting culture, creativity, and sustainable development through food traditions.

About the Recognition

  • Announced by: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay
  • Occasion: World Cities Day 2025 (October 30)
  • Category: Gastronomy (Culinary Heritage)
  • Network: UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
  • Total New Additions: 58 cities
  • Total Cities in Network: 408 cities across 100+ countries

Lucknow’s Culinary Legacy

  • Lucknow’s recognition celebrates its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and its unique food culture that blends royal flavours and street delights.

  • Key highlights of Lucknow’s gastronomy include:

Awadhi Cuisine

Kebabs, Biryanis, Kormas

Royal Breads

Sheermal and Taftan

Street Foods

Chaat, Tokri Chaat

Traditional Sweets

Rabri and Malai Paan

This recognition reinforces Lucknow’s position as one of India’s most vibrant food capitals, preserving traditional cooking styles and promoting food-based tourism.

About the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

  • Established: 2004
  • Objective: To promote creativity and culture as key tools for inclusive and sustainable urban development.
  • Categories: Gastronomy, Literature, Music, Design, Media Arts, Film, Crafts & Folk Art, and Architecture.
  • Functions of UCCN:
    • Encourages cooperation and exchange among member cities.
    • Supports local initiatives that create jobs and boost cultural industries.
    • Promotes social cohesion, innovation, and urban sustainability through cultural policies.

UNESCO stated that the newly designated cities, including Riyadh (Design), Giza (Film), Kisumu (Music), Malang (Media Arts), and Aberystwyth (Literature), reflect the role of creativity in shaping local identity and global recognition.

UCCN by the Numbers

58
New Cities Added (2025)
408
Total Cities in Network
2026
Next UCCN Conference

Next UNESCO Creative Cities Conference

  • Host City: Essaouira, Morocco (Designated as a Creative City for Music in 2019)
  • Year: 2026

Quick Facts: Lucknow – UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Country India
State/Region Uttar Pradesh
Designation Year 2025
Category Gastronomy
Network UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
Total Member Cities (2025) 408
Focus of Recognition Rich culinary heritage – Awadhi cuisine, chaat, sweets, and food culture
Network Established 2004
Next UCCN Conference Essaouira, Morocco (2026)