Lucknow eyes Unesco’s ‘city of gastronomy’ tag

Lucknow: The City of Nawabs, known for its sumptuous kebabs and royal culinary traditions, is now vying for global recognition. Lucknow has been officially nominated for inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a "City of Gastronomy" — a title currently held by only one other Indian city, Hyderabad.Confirming the development, Lucknow divisional commissioner Roshan Jacob said, "We have submitted our nomination, and additional data will be sent by the end of June. Post that, Unesco may conduct a field visit to verify our claims. Lucknow's culinary culture is not just historic—it's a living tradition passed down over centuries."The nomination, coordinated by the state's department of tourism and culture, highlights the city's rich Awadhi fare—iconic dishes like Tunday kebabs, galawati, nihari, biryani, khasta, kulfi, and jalebi that have drawn food lovers from across the globe.Heritage conservationist Abha Narain Lambah, appointed to prepare the Unesco dossier, noted, "Lucknow's gastronomic heritage was enriched by the royal kitchens of Awadh and continues to thrive across communities—from Brahmins and Baniyas to Kayasthas, Khattris and working-class families. The city offers a diverse culinary ecosystem, from legendary kebabs to humble khasta and puri-sabzi.""Food Lucknow is a major food destination," she added.Special secretary, tourism, Eesha Priya, said the application is now under review by the Union Ministry of Culture. "The blueprint prepared by Abha's team is detailed and data-backed. We're hopeful Lucknow will make the cut," she said.Unesco's Creative Cities Network recognizes cities with vibrant cultural sectors. Globally, cities like Alba (Italy), Arequipa (Peru), Bergen (Norway), Belem (Brazil), and Bendigo (Australia) are already part of the list under the gastronomy category.Experts say Lucknow offers a compelling case. "The artistry in Awadhi cooking—from the dum pukht technique to refined spice layering—is unmatched. Lucknow isn't just about food, it's about storytelling through cuisine," said Ahad Arshad, a local food chain operator.Culinary expert Adil Hussain added, "Hyderabad may be known for its biryani and haleem, but Lucknow offers a deeper, more nuanced food journey—from Mughlai meats to street snacks. It's a complete sensory experience."Officials point out that while the city is celebrated for its non-vegetarian delights, vegetarian and sweet offerings are just as noteworthy. "Dishes like Bajpai ki Puri, Durga ke Khaste, Malai Paan, and Motichur ke Laddoo are integral to Lucknow's identity," said an officer involved in the bid.With the final submission underway and Unesco assessment awaited, Lucknow could soon find itself on the world's gastronomic map—one kebab at a time.