Global Recognition for Awadhi Culinary Legacy
Lucknow Named UNESCO City of Gastronomy for Celebrating Awadhi Heritage: Lucknow has earned the prestigious title of UNESCO City of Gastronomy 2025, honouring its timeless Awadhi cuisine and deep-rooted cultural legacy. The announcement was made at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where the city’s rich food culture and innovation were recognised globally.
Static GK fact: The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was launched in 2004 to promote cities that use creativity and culture for sustainable urban development.
Nomination Journey of Lucknow
The recognition followed a detailed nomination process led by the Directorate of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The dossier was submitted to the Ministry of Culture on 31st January 2025, and India officially nominated Lucknow on 3rd March 2025. It emphasised the city’s culinary diversity, innovation, and sustainable food practices.
This achievement is the result of collaboration between state officials, chefs, artisans, and heritage experts, aiming to preserve Lucknow’s gastronomic traditions for future generations.
Essence of Awadhi Cuisine
Lucknow’s culinary identity reflects the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, a harmonious cultural blend of Hindu and Muslim traditions. The Awadhi cuisine traces its royal roots to the Nawabs of Awadh, renowned for refined cooking styles and slow-cooked delicacies.
Famous dishes include Galouti Kebab, Tunday Kebab, Nihari-Kulcha, and Tokri Chaat, while sweets like Malai Gilori and Makhan Malai symbolise the city’s cultural finesse.
Static GK Tip: The term Awadhi originates from the historical region of Oudh (Awadh), part of present-day Uttar Pradesh.
Impact of UNESCO Recognition
The “City of Gastronomy” tag is expected to bring long-term social and economic benefits. It will:
- Promote cultural and sustainable tourism.
- Support local chefs, artisans, and small food enterprises.
- Encourage preservation of traditional recipes and cooking techniques.
- Strengthen India’s soft power and culinary diplomacy.
- Foster innovation and knowledge sharing with other UCCN cities.
This recognition places Lucknow on the global gastronomic map, enhancing India’s reputation as a land of diverse cuisines and traditions.
India’s Cities in UNESCO Creative Network
With Lucknow’s inclusion, India now has nine cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Other members include Jaipur (Crafts and Folk Art), Varanasi (Music), Chennai (Music), Mumbai (Film), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Srinagar (Crafts), Gwalior (Music), and Kozhikode (Literature).
Lucknow joins Hyderabad as India’s second City of Gastronomy, reaffirming the country’s culinary diversity and cultural depth.
Static GK fact: As of 2025, UCCN comprises over 350 cities from more than 100 countries, promoting cooperation in seven creative fields including Gastronomy, Music, and Film.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Lucknow Named UNESCO City of Gastronomy for Celebrating Awadhi Heritage:
| Topic | Detail |
| Recognition | Lucknow named UNESCO City of Gastronomy 2025 |
| Announced at | 43rd UNESCO General Conference, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
| Nominating Body | Directorate of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh |
| Submission Date | 31 January 2025 |
| Official Nomination | 3 March 2025 |
| Core Cuisine | Awadhi Cuisine |
| Key Dishes | Galouti Kebab, Nihari-Kulcha, Tokri Chaat, Makhan Malai |
| India’s Other Gastronomy City | Hyderabad |
| UCCN Established | 2004 |
| Total UCCN Cities (2025) | 350+ across 100+ countries |
