Lucknow Named UNESCO Creative City for Its Rich Culinary Heritage
United Nations: Lucknow has been added to the UNESCO list of ‘creative cities’ for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has named 58 cities as new members of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network, which currently includes 408 cities in more than 100 countries.
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, was recognized in the ‘Gastronomy’ category.
“A Proud Moment for India. Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage is now recognized on the global stage!” India’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO said in a social media post on Friday.
“On World Cities Day 2025 (October 30), Lucknow was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, joining 58 new cities included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). UCCN, which now has 408 cities in more than 100 countries, promotes creativity and culture as key drivers of sustainable urban development.”
Lucknow is famous for its rich and traditional gourmet food, from the popular street food ‘chaat’ to Awadhi cuisine and delectable desserts.
Announced on World Cities Day, the award honors cities that demonstrate proven expertise in building resilient and vibrant communities for their “commitment to supporting creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.”
“UNESCO Creative Cities show that culture and creative industries can be tangible drivers of development. By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a Network where creativity supports local initiatives, attracts investment and promotes social cohesion,” Azoulay said. he said.
Founded in 2004, UCCN aims to foster collaboration between cities that strengthen culture and creativity to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. It supports initiatives that create employment, increase cultural vitality and strengthen social cohesion.
UCCN promotes cooperation between cities, sharing of experiences and pooling of solutions, allowing members to inspire each other and strengthen the economic, social and environmental impacts of their cultural policies.
UNESCO has identified newly designated creative cities – from Kisumu (Kenya) and New Orleans (USA) for Music to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for Design, Matosinhos (Portugal) and Cuenca (Ecuador) for Gastronomy, Giza (Egypt) for Film, Rovaniemi (Finland) for Architecture, Malang (Indonesia) for Media Arts and Aberystwyth (UK) for Literature. He said it exemplifies how local it is. creativity fosters a distinctive cultural specialization that takes root in its region and creates social cohesion and economic dynamism.
Creative Cities will gather for the Network’s 2026 Annual Conference in Essaouira (Morocco), which was named a Creative City for Music in 2019.
