Lucknow’s Culinary Heritage Wins UNESCO Honour, PM Modi Calls It A Global Recognition

Lucknow’s Culinary Heritage Wins UNESCO Honour, PM Modi Calls It A Global Recognition  

Summary  
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed UNESCO’s decision to designate Lucknow as a Creative City of Gastronomy, calling it a proud moment for India. The recognition celebrates the city’s famed Awadhi cuisine, from kebabs to biryanis, and positions Lucknow as a global culinary destination.  

A Global Stage For Awadhi Cuisine  
Lucknow, often called the City of Nawabs, has earned a coveted place in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network under the category of Gastronomy. The announcement was made on November 1, 2025, when UNESCO added 58 new cities worldwide to the network, which now includes 408 cities across more than 100 countries.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X, described Lucknow as “synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which lies its rich culinary tradition.” He invited food lovers from across the globe to visit the city and experience its unique flavors. The recognition, he said, highlights India’s cultural richness and strengthens its global identity.  

Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also welcomed the honour, calling it a tribute to Lucknow’s exceptional culinary legacy. He emphasized that the city’s food culture—ranging from velvety Galouti kebabs and aromatic Awadhi biryanis to the winter delicacy Makkhan Malai—has now been acknowledged as part of the world’s distinguished gastronomic heritage.  

Key Highlights  
- Lucknow designated as UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy on November 1, 2025  
- Part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, now spanning 408 cities globally  
- PM Modi hailed the recognition, calling Lucknow a symbol of vibrant culture and cuisine  
- Union Minister Shekhawat described it as a tribute to India’s gastronomic diversity  
- Awadhi cuisine, including kebabs, biryanis, and sweets, spotlighted on the global stage  

Notable Updates  
- UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network promotes creativity as a driver of sustainable development  
Recognition expected to boost tourism and cultural exchange in Lucknow  
Local chefs and culinary institutions plan to showcase traditional recipes internationally  
The honour aligns with India’s broader cultural diplomacy efforts  
Lucknow joins other Indian cities like Varanasi and Jaipur already in the network for music and crafts  

Outlook Ahead  
The UNESCO recognition is expected to enhance Lucknow’s global profile, attracting culinary tourism and investment in food-based cultural initiatives. It also reinforces India’s position as a nation where heritage and innovation blend seamlessly, with cuisine serving as a bridge between tradition and modern identity.  

Sources: The Hans India, India TV News, UNI India, The Shillong Times, PM India website