Mouth-watering kebabs, fragrant biryani, and cloud-like desserts—the northern Indian city of Lucknow has long been a paradise for food lovers. Last month, its sublime cuisine received global validation as UNESCO designated it a Creative City of Gastronomy, a coveted honor shared by only 70 cities worldwide.
The recognition “is a testament to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem,” said Tim Curtis of UNESCO’s South Asia office.
“It honours the city’s rich cultural legacy while opening new avenues for international collaboration.” Lucknow is the second Indian city, after Hyderabad, to join the list.
For residents and chefs like Ranveer Brar, the accolade for their home city feels overdue: “Better late than never. It should have come before.” What makes Lucknow’s food distinct, explains Madhavi Kuckreja of the Sanatkada Trust, is a deep, daily cultural focus.
“‘What will be cooked, how will it be cooked?’ is a continued conversation from waking up until going to bed in most homes. And you are actually judged by the quality of food that comes out of your kitchen,” she says.
This is not a new passion; iconic dishes like the galouti kebab and Lucknowi biryani have been perfected over centuries, defining a culinary legacy that has now found its rightful place on the world stage.
By James Kisoo
