Lucknow enters UNESCO list as ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’

Lucknow has officially been declared a UNESCO ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, currently under way in Uzbekistan.

The global recognition celebrates the city’s centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, living food traditions and inclusive cultural heritage. The U.P. government said the moment marks a milestone for the State, positioning it among the world’s top gastronomic destinations and showcasing how food heritage can become a symbol of cultural diplomacy and sustainable tourism.

Rumi Darwaza, Gate in Islamic Architecture built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-doula in 1784 at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing happiness, called upon people from around the world to visit the city and discover its uniqueness. “Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary culture. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow,” he wrote on X.

Culinary tourism

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said the recognition not only highlights Lucknow’s culinary legacy but also strengthens Uttar Pradesh’s role in India’s growth story. “Culinary tourism has been attracting visitors to Uttar Pradesh for generations. The State has immense potential to lead in this sector in the coming years. This global recognition shows how tourism is contributing to the vision of a Viksit Uttar Pradesh. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is bringing laurels to India,” said Mr. Singh.

The U.P. government said the Creative City status will strengthen global outreach, promote food-based entrepreneurship, and encourage more sustainable tourism. In 2024, Lucknow recorded nearly 82,74,154 tourists (domestic and foreign), while in the first half of 2025 alone, over 70,20,492 visitors arrived, showing how food and culture continue to drive tourism growth,” the official statement added.