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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.
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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.
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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.
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