Source: UN News: Monday, 10 November 2025 00:01 AM
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has released the list of 58 creative cities, in which Lucknow, India has got the status of creative city of cuisine. This decision is a tribute to Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage and age-old food traditions, which continue to thrive through innovation, community involvement and sustainable practices. The cuisine of the city of Lucknow in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh – from street food to royal kitchens – has been a fusion of history, creativity and community spirit for centuries. Now Lucknow has secured its place on the global culinary map after being designated a ‘Creative City of Culinary’ by UNESCO. The announcement came on October 31, World Cities Day, when UNESCO added 58 new cities to its Creative Cities network. Lucknow becomes the second city in India to be included in the culinary category, after Hyderabad (2019). The city is famous across the world for its juicy kebabs, special biryani and rich food culture. © Adobe Stock/Suparna Lucknow’s ‘Ulta Tawa Paratha.’ On this occasion, UNESCO praised Lucknow’s historic Awadhi food tradition and its creativity. Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO South Asia Regional Office, said, “This status not only honors Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage, but also opens new avenues of international cooperation.” Tweet URL
According to him, “The selection of Lucknow shows that cuisine is a key element of cultural identity and a driving force of sustainable development.” Global Network With this recognition, Lucknow has now become a part of a global network, which includes 408 cities in more than 100 countries. Each city in this network has been recognized for its contribution in some creative field – such as crafts, folk art, design, film, cuisine, literature, media arts and music. This year, a new subject ‘Architecture’ has also been added. The identity of Lucknow is linked to its rich culinary heritage. The recognition honors the age-old traditions of Awadhi cuisine, the city’s vibrant food culture and spirit of innovation and conservation. Collaboration and Partnerships UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network fosters collaboration between cities that consider creativity as a strategy for sustainable urban development. Launched by UNESCO in 2004, the Network aims to support cities that use culture and creativity as engines of development. When cities enhance skills, provide opportunities for creative professionals and engage citizens, jobs grow, economies are strengthened and communities are united. By investing in sectors such as music, design, gastronomy and media arts, these cities are creating concrete policies that meet local needs and contribute to the 2030 global Sustainable Development Goals. The network encourages collaboration, exchange of experiences and shared solutions between cities. Members learn from each other and strengthen the economic, social and environmental impact of their cultural policies. © Adobe Stock/ Neeraj Guptaa Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow. Full list of new creative cities designated by UNESCO Here is available.
