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Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is once again in the spotlight-this time for its mouth-watering cuisine. Known for its rich Awadhi flavours, Lucknow has been officially nominated for inclusion in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Gastronomy. This move recognises the city's long-standing love affair with food, from sizzling kebabs to flavourful biryanis and delightful sweets.
Global Recognition
The Indian government has put forward Lucknow's name for this prestigious recognition, which could place it among the top cities in the world known for culinary excellence. Roshan Jacob, the Divisional Commissioner of Lucknow, shared that more data will be submitted to UNESCO by the end of June. After this, UNESCO may send a team to visit and verify the claims. She added, "The state capital is famous for its wide range of Awadhi delicacies, and food lovers from both India and abroad have always praised it."
What Makes Lucknow's Food Special
Lucknow is widely known for its non-vegetarian dishes like the famous Tunday Kebab and Kakori Kebab. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth kebabs are a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Another highlight is the Awadhi Biryani, which is slow-cooked with marinated meat and aromatic rice-a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.
But Lucknow is not only about meat dishes. It also shines in vegetarian options. Popular local favourites like Bajpai ki Puri and Durga Ke Khaste are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The city's street food is another attraction, with pani ke batashe and basket chaat offering bursts of flavour in every bite.
No food journey in Lucknow is complete without tasting its sweets. From malai paan to jalebi with rabri, motichur ke laddu, and imarti-each sweet has its own loyal fans. These desserts are deeply rooted in tradition and are often a part of celebrations and daily life.
Behind the Nomination
A detailed report on Lucknow's food culture was prepared by Mumbai-based consultant Abha Narain Lambah. The Uttar Pradesh Department of Culture and Tourism is actively involved in the process to make sure every detail is perfectly documented.
UNESCO's Creative Cities Network
UNESCO started the Creative Cities Network in 2004 to recognise cities for their unique contributions in areas like art, literature, and food. Chennai and Hyderabad have already made it to this list for gastronomy. If selected, Lucknow will join them and gain global recognition for its food.
Why You Should Visit Lucknow
If you ever visit Lucknow, don't miss trying Tunday Kebab, Awadhi Biryani, Bajpai ki Puri, basket chaat, and the wide range of sweets. The city's food is not just about taste, but also about history, culture, and the love that goes into every dish.
