Lucknow named UNESCO Creative City for its rich culinary heritage

Lucknow has earned a prestigious global recognition, being named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The designation, announced on World Cities Day 2025 (October 30), places the Uttar Pradesh capital among 58 new members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced the addition of the new cities, expanding the network to 408 cities across more than 100 countries. The recognition celebrates Lucknow’s vibrant culinary traditions from its famed Awadhi cuisine and street delicacies like chaat to an array of aromatic kebabs and desserts all of which reflect the city’s deep-rooted cultural and historical legacy.“Proud moment for India! Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage now recognised on the global stage,” the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO shared in a post on social media.
According to information,UNESCO stated that the newly designated Creative Cities exemplify how local creativity serves as a driver of sustainable urban development, fostering innovation, social cohesion, and cultural pride. “By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment and promotes social cohesion,” stated Director-General Azoulay.Established in 2004,the UCCN fosters cooperation among cities that use culture and creativity as strategic tools for inclusive and sustainable growth. The network encourages collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the sharing of best practices to amplify the economic, social, and environmental benefits of cultural industries.This year’s honorees include Kisumu (Kenya) and New Orleans (US) for Music, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for Design, Matosinhos (Portugal) and Cuenca (Ecuador) for Gastronomy, Giza (Egypt) for Film, Rovaniemi (Finland)for Architecture, Malang (Indonesia) for Media Arts,and Aberystwyth (UK)for Literature.
The newly inducted Creative Cities will convene at the 2026 UCCN Annual Conference in Essaouira, Morocco, which was named a Creative City for Music in 2019.Lucknow’s inclusion in this prestigious list marks a significant milestone for India, reaffirming the nation’s growing presence in global cultural and creative networks while celebrating the timeless flavours that define the City of Nawabs.