Latest news with #CreativeCityofGastronomy
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Lucknow nominated for UNESCO's Creative City of Gastronomy: A foodie's must-visit destination
As per the latest development, India's Lucknow has officially been put forward as a nominee for UNESCO's esteemed Creative City of Gastronomy designation—an accolade that recognises its deep-rooted culinary heritage under the Awadhi cuisine banner. What makes Lucknow stand out? A rich culinary heritage: Centuries of royal patronage have knitted the fabric of Lucknow's gastronomic history. Through dum-style cuisine, the Nawabs' opulent kitchens produced delectable dishes like flaky breads, aromatic kormas, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs like Tunday and Kakori, and slow-cooked biryanis that demonstrated sophistication and skill. Dual appeal — veg and non-veg: Though celebrated for its meat dishes, Lucknow's vegetarian specialties hold equal charm. From Durga Ke Khaste and Bajpai Ki Puri to irresistible sweets like jalebi, kulfi, Motichur ke laddu, and imarti, the city serves up indulgence for every palate. With a thriving culinary scene, authenticity and community are key factors in Lucknow's food scene, which includes some of India's oldest restaurants as well as busy street-food hotspots in Aminabad and Chowk. The city supports its reputation as a culinary hotspot by hosting epicurean events related to the G20 Summit, UP Investors Summit, DefExpo, and more. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Read more: 6 offbeat beaches in India for a crowd-free dip Institutional backing: A dedicated dossier on Lucknow's culinary identity has been prepared by Mumbai-based consultant Abha Narain Lambah for the Uttar Pradesh tourism and cultural department. Following submission to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, additional data is expected by June-end, with site visits to follow. Cultural significance beyond taste: The lasting fusion of communities—Brahmins, Kayasthas, Khattris, Baniyas, and artisans—has shaped a culturally layered food heritage. Read more: US: Donald Trump's travel ban on 12 countries kicks in; who's barred and what to know What's next? The UNESCO bid continues in stages: June 2025: Deadline for submitting supplementary information. Upcoming months: Site inspections by UNESCO officials to verify the city's culinary credentials. If all goes as planned, Lucknow would join Indore and Hyderabad as India's acclaimed Creative Cities of Gastronomy, earning international recognition for its culinary excellence. A UNESCO tag could significantly boost tourism, achieving global validation for Lucknow's sweet, spicy legacy. Lucknow's nomination celebrates more than food—it shines a spotlight on its heritage, craftsmanship, and culture, seasoning every dish with history. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Metro
30-04-2025
- Metro
Two 'stunning' Turkish destinations get new flight routes from major UK airport
If your idea of a perfect holiday is traditional culture, ancient ruins and decadent cuisine, then listen up. Turkish budget airline, Pegasus, has just announced direct flights from London Stansted to two ancient cities: Gaziantep and Kayseri. This comes as popular destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, and Istanbul – which continue to attract millions of international tourists each year – face the challenges of overtourism. Turkey is getting serious about distributing tourists more evenly, fromtechnology-led management to sustainable tourism practices (Istanbul has been restoring smaller historical sites and introduced a £21.36 entry fee to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in 2024). So, what better time to head off the beaten path for a summer getaway? Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Travellers can head to Gaziantep, a major city in south-central Turkey, from as early as June 2025. Pegasus will operate weekly flights, which are set to start on 21 June. One-way flights cost £85, with a journey time of 4 hours and 40 minutes. Days later, on 25 June, the Kayseri route will open. Flights will operate from London Stansted every Wednesday. Currently, one-way tickets start at £84. The flight time is around 4 hours and 25 minutes. Foodies, Gaziantep should be on your bucket list. The city is renowned for its world-class cuisine, a fusion of Anatolian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern tastes. Try spicy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), over 30 different kinds of kebabs, mouthwatering mezes and famous baklava. Many shops and bakeries specialise in this traditional treat, which is made from layers of filo pastry, filled with crushed nuts and honey syrup. @fatimahomran Gaziantep is amongst the top 10 food destinations in the world and I can see why! I'm not joking when I say everything here is top tier delicious. I'm gobsmacked that food can taste so different just 2 hour flight from Istanbul. Is it the ingredients or the skills of those cooks? All I know is it's a shame to come to Turkey and not visit this foodie capital. #gaziantep #katmer #dessert #pistachio ♬ original sound – Fatimah Omran Gaziantep is a vegetarian's paradise, too, with a strong focus on veggie dishes. One of the most popular is dolma, savoury bulgur rice rolls stuffed with dried aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and spice. Gaziantep's cuisine is so respected that it's been recognised by UNESCO, which named it a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. Walk off the baklava with a visit to Zeugma Mosaics Museum, the world's largest mosaic museum, where you'll find original Roman tiles. Close by is Gaziantep Castle, built in the 2nd century CE, which now houses a military history museum. Marvel at the Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, then head to the Old Town, where you can wander the winding streets and soak up the lively atmosphere. As a 'lesser-known' destination, Gazientep is the perfect way to see Turkey without the crowds. If spectacular scenery is more your thing, Kayseri is well worth visiting. The standout visual attraction is Erciyes Mountain, a striking dormant volcano, with a peak covered in snow almost 365 days a year. For adrenaline junkies, the area is home to the popular Erciyes Ski Resort. According to Pegagus Airlines, Kayseri is 'one of the most significant cities of Central Anatolia in terms of cultural heritage and historical attractions.' Known for its elaborate carpets, Kayseri has a long history of handmade rug-weaving. Artisans follow traditional methods from generations past, using wool and silk to create spectacular designs and patterns. Kayseri Castle is the city's top recommended cultural landmark, while the Mazakaland Entertainment Centre is a great attraction for families. The small theme park is inspired by Roman, Anatolian and African civilisations. More Trending Finally, no trip to Kayseri is complete without a visit to Soganli Valley. The archaeological site dates to the 9th-century, and is characterised by rock-cut churches and monasteries, carved from the soft stone of the Cappadocian landscape. Hot air balloon experiences are a popular way to see the unique landscape from above. Metro's Lifestyle Editor Kristina Beanland went to Cappadocia earlier this year to see if it lives up to the viral TikTok hype. You can read her report here. During the summer months, Gaziantep enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate. Temperatures reach 36°C. As Gaziantep is a city break destination, the shoulder seasons (particularly April and May) could be a better shout. These months offer a pleasant mix of milder weather and fewer crowds, with temperatures reaching a pleasant 26°C. As for Kayseri, the continental climate it experiences means the summer heat gets less intense. Ranging between 27°C and 31°C, shoulder seasons peak at a comfortable 21°C. MORE: I love Greece, but there's one city I'll never go back to MORE: New train will link Morocco's most spectacular cities for the first time MORE: Full list of cancelled flights after power outage plunges Spain and Portugal into darkness
