Lucknow’s rich flavours go global, gets ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ tag from UNESCO

The state’s Directorate of Tourism submitted Lucknow’s nomination to the Ministry of Culture on January 31, 2025, and the Government of India selected the city as the country’s official entry on March 3, 2025. Officials said the UNESCO announcement on October 31 formally confirms the city’s entry into the Creative Cities Network.

Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture Amrit Abhijat said Lucknow’s food culture, from royal kitchens to street vendors, has long drawn visitors and that the UNESCO tag would amplify that reach. He cited recent visitor numbers to underscore the sector’s momentum: “In 2024, Lucknow recorded nearly 8,274,154 tourists (domestic and foreign), while in the first half of 2025 alone more than 7,020,492 visitors arrived, showing how food and culture continue to drive tourism growth.”

Officials described the UNESCO tag as an opportunity to promote culinary heritage, support small food entrepreneurs and develop food-led tourism circuits. They said plans are underway to use the recognition to boost training, market access for local vendors and sustainable practices that protect both culinary traditions and the livelihoods that depend on them.