PM Modi Hails Lucknow’s Inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy List

New Delhi | November 1, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the city of Lucknow for earning a distinguished place on the global culinary map after being named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The recognition celebrates Lucknow’s legendary food culture, steeped in the traditions of Awadhi cuisine, and its enduring influence on India’s rich gastronomic heritage. Taking to his official X account, PM Modi expressed pride and joy over the announcement. “Lucknow is synonymous with a vibrant culture, at the core of which is a great culinary tradition. I am glad that UNESCO has recognised this aspect of Lucknow, and I call upon people from around the world to visit Lucknow and discover its uniqueness,” he wrote. The designation was officially announced by UNESCO on October 31, coinciding with World Cities Day, as part of 58 new additions to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for 2025. With this honor, Lucknow becomes only the second Indian city to receive the title in the gastronomy category, following Hyderabad, which earned the distinction in 2019. The recognition is seen as a tribute to Lucknow’s centuries-old culinary artistry and its deep-rooted tradition of innovation in food. The city, often referred to as the “City of Nawabs,” is celebrated for its exquisite Awadhi cuisine, known for dishes such as galouti kebabs, tunday kebabs, Lucknawi biryani, and a variety of sweets that reflect its regal history and cultural refinement. UNESCO noted that Lucknow’s food culture represents a unique blend of royal legacy, local ingredients, and creative evolution that continues to thrive across generations. Union Minister of Culture and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also lauded the recognition, calling it a “historic moment for India’s cultural and culinary identity.” Sharing the news on X, he wrote, “Lucknow has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition of its distinguished culinary heritage and invaluable contribution to India’s rich gastronomic traditions. This honour enhances Lucknow’s global stature, positioning it as a premier destination for food and culture.” Shekhawat further emphasized that this global distinction would open new avenues for tourism promotion, culture-led economic growth, and heritage conservation. He credited the achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, saying, “Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, India’s timeless traditions, culture, and values continue to attain unprecedented recognition and respect on the global stage.” UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network was launched in 2004 to foster cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a key driver for sustainable urban development. With the inclusion of Lucknow, India now joins the list of 408 cities across more than 100 countries acknowledged for excellence in fields such as crafts, folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. This year’s expansion of the network also marked the introduction of “architecture” as a new category of creative expression. The recognition of Lucknow, a city known for its elegant architecture, poetic legacy, and unmatched culinary finesse, underscores the multidimensional creativity that defines its cultural spirit. As the world turns its gaze to Lucknow’s famed kitchens, the city’s food artisans, chefs, and historians see this global acknowledgment as an opportunity to further preserve and promote the time-honoured Awadhi cuisine — a symbol of India’s living heritage and the enduring charm of the “City of Tehzeeb.” PM Modi Congratulates Lucknow on Joining UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Lucknow after UNESCO named it a Creative City of Gastronomy, honouring its rich Awadhi culinary heritage. PM Modi said Lucknow’s vibrant culture and cuisine reflect India’s timeless traditions and invited the world to experience its uniqueness. The designation, announced on World Cities Day, makes Lucknow the second Indian city after Hyderabad to earn this global recognition. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said the honour will boost tourism, heritage conservation, and culture-led growth. UNESCO praised Lucknow’s kebabs, biryani, and culinary creativity as symbols of its enduring gastronomic excellence.