The taste and Nawabi culinary tradition of Lucknow has received global recognition. UNESCO has declared Lucknow as ‘Gastronomy City’. From Galouti Kebab to Awadhi Biryani, this honor has taken Lucknow’s food to the international stage.
Now the name of Lucknow is shining in the world not only for its Nawabs and culture, but also for its delicious culinary tradition. The fragrance of centuries old ‘Awadhi Cooking’ has now reached the world stage. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has included Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, in the category of ‘Gastronomy City’ in its Creative Cities Network (CCN).
The honor is a global acknowledgment of Lucknow’s cuisine, its Nawabi tradition and India’s culinary heritage. With this announcement, Lucknow has now joined the select cities of the world which are known for their unique taste and tradition.
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UNESCO announced, Lucknow joins 408 cities of the world
UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay on Friday announced the inclusion of 58 new cities as part of the CCN. Now this network has reached 408 cities in more than 100 countries. From India, Lucknow received this honor in the category of ‘Gastronomy’ i.e. food and drink.
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Praising Lucknow, the United Nations wrote on its official X handle,
“From mouth-watering Galouti Kebab to Awadhi Biryani, Chaat and Makhan Malai, Lucknow is truly a foodie paradise.”
PM Modi and CM Yogi expressed happiness
Congratulating Lucknow on receiving this honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said –
“Lucknow is a symbol of vibrant culture and fine culinary traditions. I am glad that UNESCO has recognized this unique identity of Lucknow. I urge people from all over the world to visit Lucknow and experience its unique taste culture.”
While calling it a big achievement of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India’s culture and traditions are creating a new identity at the global level.
Identity of Lucknowi cuisine, Nawabi delicacy in flavors and taste of tradition.
Lucknowi food is not limited to kebabs only. The cuisine here is famous for its unique combination of taste, tradition and technique.
- The kings of the kebab world – Galouti and Gala-Vati Kebab, which are famous for their melt-in-the-mouth texture.
- World of Sweetness – Malai Gilori and Makkhan Malai are the symbol dishes of Lucknow’s winter.
- Identity of Chaat and Batashe – The use of white peas instead of boiled potatoes in the chaat here makes it special.
- Dum Biryani and Nihari-Kulcha – Slow-cooked Dum Biryani and white velvet kulcha complete the Lucknowi thal.
Tourism will gain momentum, said officer and chef Ranveer Brar
Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture Department, Amrit Abhijat said that 82.7 lakh tourists had come to Lucknow in 2024 and this number has crossed 70 lakh in the first half of 2025 itself. This shows that food and culture together are giving new heights to tourism.
Famous chef Ranveer Brar, who is originally from Lucknow, said –
“Better late than never. It is the responsibility of every Lucknowi to present our hospitality and cuisine to the world with pride.”
Centuries old culinary tradition gets global platform
This honor received by Lucknow is not just an achievement of one city, but a global celebration of India’s rich culinary culture. Now when a foreigner says “Lucknow”, he will remember not just the Nawab – but also the taste of Galouti Kebab, Dum Biryani and Makkhan Malai.
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