Prime Minister expresses happiness as Lucknow designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed joy over Lucknow’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its rich Awadhi culinary heritage and global recognition.

At the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on October 31, 2025, Lucknow was officially declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, joining a prestigious network of 70 global cities that celebrate culinary excellence.

Why Lucknow Earned the Title
- Awadhi Cuisine Legacy: Known for dishes like galouti kebab, Awadhi biryani, tokri chaat, and malai gilori, Lucknow’s food reflects centuries of refinement and cultural fusion.
- Community & Sustainability Focus: The nomination highlighted inclusive culinary traditions, local vendor support, and sustainable food practices.
- Global Culinary Diplomacy: This recognition positions Lucknow as a symbol of India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Government’s Role and Reaction
- The Directorate of Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, submitted the nomination in January 2025, and the Ministry of Culture selected it as India’s official entry in March.
- Prime Minister Modi praised the achievement, noting it as a proud moment for India and a boost to the country’s cultural and tourism sectors.

What This Means for Lucknow
- Boost to Culinary Tourism: Plans are underway to develop food-led tourism circuits and training programs for local chefs and vendors.
- International Collaboration: The designation opens doors for global partnerships in gastronomy and cultural exchange.

Lucknow now joins Hyderabad (designated in 2019) as the second Indian city to receive this honor, placing it alongside global food hubs like Macao, Saint Petersburg, and Quanzhou.