Lucknow: A Culinary Paradise Earns UNESCO Recognition
Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, has officially been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, joining the ranks of 70 cities worldwide celebrated for their rich culinary heritage and innovation. This prestigious recognition, announced on World Cities Day, marks a significant milestone for India, as Lucknow becomes the second city in the nation to receive this honor, following Hyderabad.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) made the announcement at the 43rd session of its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This designation places Lucknow among a global network of cities that prioritize creativity and culture as key drivers for sustainable urban development. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) now encompasses 408 cities across over 100 countries, fostering collaboration and innovation in various creative fields, including crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music.
Lucknow's culinary traditions, honed over centuries, have earned it this distinguished title. The city's Awadhi cuisine, a refined blend of Indic and Persian influences, stands out for its unique cooking methods and iconic dishes. The slow-cooked dum pukht technique, where food is sealed in pots and cooked over low heat, is a hallmark of Awadhi cuisine, infusing dishes with rich aromas and flavors.
Among the must-try delicacies are the melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs, made with finely minced meat and a secret blend of spices. Lucknawi biryani, with its fragrant rice and tender meat, is another culinary gem. Nihari, a slow-cooked stew, and sheermal, a slightly sweet flatbread, also hold a special place in Lucknow's culinary landscape.
Beyond the royal kitchens, Lucknow's vibrant street food culture contributes significantly to its gastronomic identity. Bustling bazaars like Hazratganj and Aminabad offer a diverse array of treats, from the iconic basket chaat at Royal Cafe to the rich kulfi falooda at Prakash Kulfi. These establishments showcase how generations of cooks have adapted royal recipes for the masses, creating a living, evolving tradition accessible to all.
The recognition by UNESCO is expected to boost culinary tourism in Lucknow, attracting visitors eager to experience the city's unique flavors and culinary heritage. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh believes this tag will further help the state build the tourism sector. Furthermore, the designation provides an opportunity to promote sustainable food practices, support local food entrepreneurs, and develop food-led tourism circuits. Plans are underway to enhance training, improve market access for local vendors, and promote sustainable practices that protect culinary traditions and the livelihoods that depend on them.
Lucknow's commitment to gastronomy extends beyond its delicious food. The nomination dossier submitted to UNESCO documented recipes and oral histories from chefs and local families, highlighting the strong community bond surrounding food. The city has also pledged to promote nutrition education and support local food producers and artisans, aligning with UNESCO's goals for sustainable development. As Lucknow steps onto the global stage as a Creative City of Gastronomy, it carries with it centuries of culinary artistry, a vibrant street food culture, and a commitment to preserving its rich gastronomic heritage for generations to come.
