From kebabs to biriyani: Lucknow gets UNESCO honour for its royal cuisine

Until now, Hyderabad was the only Indian city to feature in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network under the gastronomy category. Lucknow’s inclusion comes months after it was officially nominated by the Indian government.

The city is renowned for its Awadhi cuisine, a culinary tradition that traces its origins to the Mughal era and remains a defining aspect of its cultural identity.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement that the Creative Cities “demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development,” adding that the network strengthens local initiatives, attracts investment, and promotes social cohesion.

Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) aims to promote human-centred urban living and governance through culture and creativity. The 2025 cohort includes 58 new cities worldwide, contributing to initiatives ranging from São Paulo’s Affirmative Network of Cinema Professionals to the AlMashtal Creative Incubator in Riyadh.

Reacting to the recognition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X, “Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary tradition. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow and I call upon people from around the world to visit and discover its uniqueness.”