Lucknow Designated as UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy

Lucknow has been added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The recognition was announced at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Key Highlights:

• Category of Recognition:
  • Lucknow has been recognised in the Gastronomy category, acknowledging its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine and distinctive culinary traditions.
  • With this designation, Lucknow becomes the second Indian city to receive the title in the gastronomy category, after Hyderabad.
• Global Context:
  • UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced 58 new cities as members of the Creative Cities Network in 2025.
  • The network now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries, celebrating innovation and creativity in seven fields — literature, music, crafts & folk art, design, media arts, film, and gastronomy.
• Indian Cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network:
  • Srinagar – Crafts and Folk Art
  • Jaipur – Crafts and Folk Art
  • Mumbai – Film
  • Hyderabad – Gastronomy
  • Lucknow – Gastronomy
  • Kozhikode – Literature
  • Gwalior – Music
  • Chennai – Music
  • Varanasi – Music
• Significance: The inclusion of Lucknow highlights India’s diverse cultural and culinary legacy, promoting sustainable urban development through creativity, heritage, and innovation.

Sources: AIR & UNESCO