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NDTV
9 hours ago
- NDTV
Lucknow Chosen As India's Candidate For UNESCO Gastronomic Creative City
Known as the "City of Nawabs," Lucknow has long been famous for its rich history, royal culture, and most importantly, its mouthwatering Awadhi cuisine. Now, this historic city is making a big move to put its culinary heritage on the global map by officially applying to join UNESCO's 'Creative Cities Network' (UCCN) under the category of Gastronomy. Established in 2004, UCCN celebrates cities that have shown exceptional creativity in culture, arts, and, in this case, food. Lucknow's unique Awadhi cuisine, with its slow-cooked kebabs, aromatic biryanis, and delightful sweets, perfectly fits the bill. According to Roshan Jacob, Lucknow's Divisional Commissioner, the city has been nominated by India for this prestigious tag, as per a report in the Hindustan Times. Now, the team is gathering more detailed information to submit by the end of June. If everything goes well, UNESCO experts might visit Lucknow soon to see the city's culinary culture firsthand. Mumbai-based consultant Abha Narain Lambah played a key role in putting together a detailed dossier about Lucknow's gastronomic heritage. The entire effort is closely monitored by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. What Makes Lucknow's Food So Special? Lucknow's food identity is deeply rooted in its royal past, where Nawabs and their chefs perfected dishes that continue to wow food lovers today. While the city is famous as a paradise for meat lovers, it also serves up an array of vegetarian dishes and snacks that make it a well-rounded food capital. Some iconic names and dishes from Lucknow include: Tunday Kebabs: Arguably the crown jewel of Lucknow's non-veg cuisine, these melt-in-your-mouth minced meat kebabs are legendary. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, but the taste speaks for itself. Kakori Kebabs: Another delicacy, these are named after the town of Kakori but are inseparable from Lucknow's food scene. Awadhi Biryani: Unlike other versions, Awadhi biryani is subtle and aromatic, cooked with layers of marinated meat and fragrant rice. Chaat And Street Foods: From basket chaat to paani ke batashe (water-filled hollow puris), Lucknow's street food scene is a delight for vegetarians and spice lovers alike. Khasta, Kachauri, And Bajpai Ki Puri: These crispy snacks are perfect for teatime munching. Sweets: No visit to Lucknow is complete without indulging in motichur ke laddu, malai paan, jalebi, and imarti with rabri. The UP government's tourism and culture departments are actively promoting this culinary diversity. The aim is to showcase Lucknow as a city that not only leads in non-veg delights but also charms vegetarians with its unique street foods and sweets. Lucknow already attracts nearly 48 million tourists every year, many of whom come eager to explore the city's famed food courts and street stalls. Major events like the G20 Summit and the UP Investors Summit have given a global boost to the city, with international leaders enjoying its culinary richness. For the unversed, India already has five other cities - Chennai, Hyderabad (for Gastronomy), Varanasi, Jaipur, and Mumbai - in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Each has been chosen for their unique cultural contributions. Lucknow hopes to join this elite list soon.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Lucknow nominated as UNESCO 'City of Gastronomy'; set to join Hyderabad on global culinary map
Photo credit: AI LUCKNOW: The city of Nawabs, known for its sumptuous kebabs and royal culinary traditions, is now vying for global recognition. Lucknow has been officially nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a 'City of Gastronomy' a title currently held by only one other Indian city, Hyderabad. Confirming the development, Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob said, 'We have submitted our nomination, and additional data will be sent by the end of June. Post that, Unesco may conduct a field visit to verify our claims. Lucknow's culinary culture is not just historic—it's a living tradition passed down over centuries.' The nomination, coordinated by the state's department of tourism and culture, highlights the city's rich Awadhi fare—iconic dishes like Tunday kebabs, galawati, nihari, biryani, khasta, kulfi, and jalebi that have drawn food lovers from across the globe. Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah, appointed to prepare the Unesco dossier, noted, 'Lucknow's gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh and continues to thrive across communities—from Brahmins and Baniyas to Kayasthas, Khattris and working-class families. The city offers a diverse culinary ecosystem, from legendary kebabs to humble khasta and puri-sabzi.' 'Food Lucknow is a major food destination,' she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wrinkles? No. Philips Garment Steamers Book Now Undo Special Secretary, Tourism, Eesha Priya, said the application is now under review by the Union Ministry of Culture. 'The blueprint prepared by Abha's team is detailed and data-backed. We're hopeful Lucknow will make the cut,' she said. Unesco's Creative Cities Network recognises cities with vibrant cultural sectors. Globally, cities like Alba (Italy), Arequipa (Peru), Bergen (Norway), Belem (Brazil), and Bendigo (Australia) are already part of the list under the gastronomy category. Experts say Lucknow offers a compelling case. 'The artistry in Awadhi cooking—from the dum pukht technique to refined spice layering—is unmatched. Lucknow isn't just about food, it's about storytelling through cuisine,' said Ahad Arshad, a local food chain operator. Culinary expert Adil Hussain added, 'Hyderabad may be known for its biryani and haleem, but Lucknow offers a deeper, more nuanced food journey—from Mughlai meats to street snacks. It's a complete sensory experience.' Officials point out that while the city is celebrated for its non-vegetarian delights, vegetarian and sweet offerings are just as noteworthy. 'Dishes like Bajpai ki Puri, Durga ke Khaste, Malai Paan, and Motichur ke Laddoo are integral to Lucknow's identity,' said an officer involved in the bid. With the final submission underway and Unesco assessment awaited, Lucknow could soon find itself on the world's gastronomic map—one kebab at a time.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Unesco's Creative City of Gastronomy: Lucknow is India's nominee to claim title of foodie haven
If all goes to plan, the world will soon know what we - Lucknowites - have always believed: our beloved city serves some of the most mouth-watering delicacies from both sides of the veg-non-veg divide. The proposal for Creative City Lucknow under the category Gastronomy for Awadhi Cuisine has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre. Just like Lucknow Chikankari and Banarasi sarees have been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, efforts along similar lines are on to get a Unesco tag for Lucknow's sumptuous dishes. 'Lucknow has been nominated from India for Unesco Creative City for Gastronomy. We have to provide some more data by June end, following which Unesco authorities may visit to verify our claims. 'The state capital is famous for a wide range of Awadhi delicacies and food buffs both from India and abroad have been talking about it for a long time now. The city's food scene is an endless treasure of delicious dishes that will tantalise your taste buds,' said divisional commissioner (Lucknow) Roshan Jacob. 'The Uttar Pradesh government's department of culture and tourism has been tasked to apply for the same at Unesco. Lucknow is famous for Chikankari, which the entire world knows. The city's Tunday Kebabi is world famous and so is its khasta, jalebi, kachauri and kulfi. Our aim is to earn a name for Lucknow as a city in the non-veg category because we have a wide range of mutton and chicken kebabs, different types of biryani, mutton and chicken recipes and a lot more,' said Mukesh Meshram, principal secretary, tourism and culture. And if you thought the state capital was a non-veg haven, led by Tunday and Kakori kebabs, vegetarian ware like Durga Ke khaste and Bajpai ki Puri, among others, can leave you wanting more. Even Lucknow's famous sweets like Motichur ke Laddu, Malai Paan, jalebi and imarti are loved by one and all, an official aware of the development said. Special secretary, tourism, Eesha Priya said, 'The department of tourism and culture, UP, roped in a Mumbai-based consultant, Abha Narain Lambah, who prepared a detailed dossier and the entire work is being looked at by the ministry of culture, government of India. It was Abha's team which has done data collection and prepared a blueprint,' said Eesha Priya. Lambah said, 'Nestled by the Gomti, Lucknow's gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh. The city's many communities, Baniyas, Brahmins, Kayasthas, Khattris and working classes contribute to its varied flavours. Lucknow is a major hub of tourism with 480 million annual tourists and its food courts are a huge hit with those visiting the state capital. 'If you're a foodie, then you need to visit Lucknow. The city's food scene is a true culinary paradise, with something to offer everyone. The recently held G20 Summit, Def Expo, UP Investors Summit and groundbreaking ceremonies have only given a much needed impetus in achieving this milestone as scores of international global leaders visited the state capital and spent a few days there,' an official said. Decoding Lucknow, Special Issue on Food, which was brought out in association with the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow, has a preface penned by Prof Devi Singh, the then director of the institute. The book says: 'The unique thing about the culinary tastes of Lucknow is that while it can savour the finest of its traditional food, it can also appreciate the widest variety of new food. This unique combination of richness and versatility in taste is reflected in the food offerings of Lucknow, which makes for a perfect blend of sophistication, intricate craftsmanship, and diversity. And this taste is not static, backward looking. In fact, like the character of Lucknow, it is evolving, dynamic and forward looking. The average Lucknowite has surely been affected by the new changes that have come in.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
DC orders fire safety compliance in hosps
Lucknow: Hospitals in the city will have to conduct regular fire safety drills in compliance with the fire and electrical safety norms. These directives were issued by divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob during a review meeting held on Wednesday for health infrastructure and care. Jacob said that hospitals must be equipped with fire safety systems, valid safety certificates and alternative emergency exits. She mandated fire safety training for all hospital staff and ordered regular mock drills with routine electrical safety checks. The mandatory presence of doctors, full-time night OPDs, maternity services and effective operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been emphasised. Regular inspections of these centres are to be conducted by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). A drive has been launched to issue identity cards to senior citizens above 70 years of age, noting that only 37,113 out of 1,42,967 eligible persons received them so far. The monthly distribution of iron syrup to pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children has been emphasised under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative. Further directives include ensuring adequate hospital staffing, full operation of health ATMs, routine monitoring of diagnostic services and the organisation of screening camps and vaccination drives in every village. The meeting was attended by joint development commissioner KK Singh, additional director (health) Dr GP Gupta, chief medical officer and others.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
200 crore boost to help complete Green Corridor, other infra projects
Lucknow: Several key infrastructure projects, including the Green Corridor , beautification of Shaheed Path, conservation of Motijheel, Jamuna and Eldeco lakes, and the restoration of the historic Rifa-e-Aam Club, are set to receive a major boost, with Rs 200 crore approved during a recent Infrastructure Fund Committee meeting chaired by divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob. Around Rs 90 crore was allocated to fast-track the Green Corridor from Basant Kunj to Pipraghat. Of this, Rs 50 crore will go towards constructing an embankment between Pipraghat and Shaheed Path, Rs 15 crore for another embankment leading to Ekana Stadium, and Rs 10 crore for a road overbridge and VIP spur at Pipraghat railway crossing. Another Rs 15 crore was allotted for undergrounding power lines, utility shifting, signage, rotary development, and other associated works. Over Rs 10 crore was earmarked for horticulture, irrigation, and beautification of Shaheed Path. Additionally, Rs 8 crore will be spent on the conservation of Motijheel, Jamuna, and Eldeco lakes. Work on a cofferdam at the CG City wetland site is also underway and nearing completion. Moreover, a tropical park will be developed near Lakshman Mela Ground on the Gomti riverfront at a cost of Rs 3 crore. An entertainment park is also being planned at Eco Garden under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. A new foot overbridge near Lulu Mall on Shaheed Path will be constructed to improve pedestrian movement and safety. Furthermore, projects including the installation of a musical fountain at Neembu Park in Hussainabad, façade enhancement from Rumi Gate to Chhota Imambara, electrification of the museum block, development of a parking area near the food court, and upgrades to nearby roads will be done with Rs 10 crore. Rs 4 crore will be used for placemaking efforts at Hazratganj crossing and its surrounding streets. Additionally, open gyms will be installed in 50 city parks. Sculptures will also be placed at key intersections and major roads. The plan includes improvements in street lighting and drainage systems under various schemes across the city. Among the heritage projects, Rs 5 crore was set aside for the restoration of the historic Rifa-e-Aam Club in Wazirganj. The Amiruddaula Library in Kaiserbagh will be converted into a museum with a budget of Rs 2 crore. LDA vice chairperson said, "With these initiatives, LDA aims to not only improve infrastructure but also enrich the aesthetic and ecological profile of Lucknow."
