Lucknow has achieved a historic milestone as UNESCO declared it a "Creative City of Gastronomy" at the 43rd session of its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This prestigious title positions Lucknow among seventy gastronomy cities worldwide and marks it as the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to receive such recognition. The announcement acknowledges the city's rich culinary legacy, blending royal traditions with vibrant street food culture, and firmly places it on the global culinary map. Officials expressed that this honour will not only elevate the city's reputation internationally but also contribute significantly to India's cultural diplomacy and tourism appeal.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh hailed the UNESCO designation as a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh and a boost for culinary tourism. He stated that for generations, visitors have flocked to the state to experience its diverse and flavorful cuisine. With this recognition, the government plans to strengthen the food tourism sector, creating new opportunities for chefs, local vendors, and food entrepreneurs. Minister Singh added that Lucknow's distinct identity -- rooted in nawabi hospitality and culinary artistry -- will now receive the global spotlight it deserves, inspiring further investment in tourism infrastructure.
The road to recognition was the result of a coordinated effort. The Directorate of Tourism submitted Lucknow's nomination to the Ministry of Culture in January 2025, which was later approved by the Government of India as the country's official entry. The UNESCO announcement on October 31, 2025, confirmed the city's inclusion in the Creative Cities Network. This selection reflects Lucknow's culinary depth and innovation, from its kebabs and biryanis to traditional sweets and vegetarian delicacies. It also demonstrates how India's regional cuisines are gaining respect as integral parts of the world's cultural heritage.
Principal Secretary of Tourism & Culture, Amrit Abhijat, highlighted that Lucknow's culinary ecosystem -- from royal kitchens to bustling markets -- has always attracted domestic and foreign tourists. He pointed out that the city recorded over 8.27 million visitors in 2024 and has already welcomed more than 7 million in the first half of 2025. These impressive numbers reveal how strongly food and culture continue to fuel tourism growth in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that the UNESCO tag will serve as a catalyst for even greater visibility and help transform Lucknow into a leading destination for gastronomy enthusiasts worldwide.
Officials described the recognition as a gateway to new initiatives promoting culinary heritage and local enterprise. Plans are underway to create dedicated food trails, organize heritage food festivals, and strengthen training programs for young chefs and small-scale food entrepreneurs. The government aims to improve market access for local vendors and promote sustainable culinary practices, ensuring that growth benefits communities while preserving authenticity. These steps are expected to create new jobs, attract international collaborations, and enhance cultural exchange.
The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy tag thus represents more than a title -- it signifies a movement towards celebrating tradition through innovation. For Lucknow, it's an opportunity to showcase its timeless flavours to the world while fostering inclusive, sustainable tourism. As the city prepares to welcome a new wave of culinary travellers, this global recognition reaffirms its status as India's soul of flavour, heritage, and hospitality.