The City of Nawabs, Lucknow, is more than just a city; it’s an experience. Known for its royal charm, cultural richness, and unparalleled culinary heritage, Lucknow has been officially nominated as India’s entry for the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition is not merely about food — it’s a tribute to a lifestyle, a history, and a legacy that has stood the test of time. From the craftsmanship of chikankari embroidery to the refined concept of tehzeeb (social etiquette), and from the architectural marvels of Bara Imambara to the aroma of freshly grilled kebabs, Lucknow is an exquisite tapestry of tradition and creativity.
As India’s official nominee for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) 2025, Lucknow’s candidacy shines a light on a food culture that has traveled through centuries. The city’s culinary scene is deeply rooted in the Awadhi tradition — a cuisine defined by rich spices, slow cooking techniques, and an undeniable Nawabi flair. For those who have tasted Lucknow’s kebabs, biryanis, or nihari, the nomination feels like a long-overdue acknowledgment of what Lucknowis have known for ages: this city is a true culinary capital.
Calling Lucknow a “food haven” feels like an understatement. The essence of the city’s culinary magic lies in its Awadhi cuisine — a legacy that dates back to the Nawabi era. What sets Awadhi food apart is its emphasis on slow cooking, a technique known as dum pukht, where dishes are cooked over low heat for hours to allow the flavors to blend and intensify. This isn’t just cooking; it’s an art form, an experience designed to engage all senses.
The Awadhi kitchen carries influences from Persian and Mughal traditions, creating a unique blend of aromatic spices, rich gravies, and delicate textures. The famed galouti kebabs — so soft they melt at the first touch of your tongue — were invented for a toothless Nawab who couldn’t chew meat but refused to give up on his love for kebabs. Kakori, shami, and seekh kebabs carry their own legendary stories, while the hearty nihari — a slow-cooked meat stew — speaks of a time when meals were prepared not just to fill stomachs but to delight souls.
Another crown jewel of Lucknow’s culinary landscape is the Awadhi biryani. Unlike its spicier Hyderabadi cousin, Lucknow’s biryani is all about subtlety and aroma. Cooked with fragrant rice, tender meat, and carefully measured spices, each spoonful is a testament to the city’s culinary precision. Even street food here is elevated to an art form. The iconic tokri chaat — a crispy basket of aloo tikki filled with chickpeas, papdi, curd, chutneys, and spices — is a burst of flavors that has captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike.
The everyday dining experience in Lucknow is also inseparable from tehzeeb. Whether at a street stall or a grand feast, the warmth, politeness, and grace with which food is served add another dimension to the meal. Dining in Lucknow is not just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the culture, the respect, and the shared joy of eating together.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), established in 2004, currently recognizes 350 cities worldwide across seven creative fields, including gastronomy, crafts and folk art, music, and literature. Lucknow’s nomination as a creative city for gastronomy isn’t just about its food; it’s about its ability to tell stories through flavors, to preserve centuries-old culinary traditions, and to evolve while staying true to its roots.
When you walk through the bustling lanes of Chowk or Aminabad, the fragrance of sizzling kebabs and simmering curries lingers in the air. But it’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience — the laughter of shopkeepers, the vibrant energy of ganjing (street shopping), and the unmistakable charm of a city that has mastered the balance between tradition and modernity.
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Lucknow’s nomination also brings global recognition to its diverse cultural offerings. Beyond food, the city’s art forms like chikankari embroidery and its architectural landmarks like Bara Imambara stand as testaments to a history that continues to influence modern India. When paired with its cuisine, these elements create an immersive cultural experience that few cities in the world can replicate.
To say that Lucknow deserves this title would be an understatement. The city has long been a confluence of flavors, artistry, and hospitality. With every bite of nihari, every sip of Sharma ji ki chai, and every stroll past the kebab stalls of Tunday Kebabi, Lucknow proves why it isn’t just a contender but a rightful heir to the title of UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy.
The recognition, if granted, would not just celebrate Lucknow but also showcase India’s rich culinary diversity to the world. After all, every dish in Lucknow isn’t just food — it’s history on a plate, waiting to be savored.
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