India now boasts two cities recognized globally for their rich culinary heritage, Hyderabad and Lucknow, both honored as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy. This prestigious designation celebrates their unique food cultures, centuries-old traditions, and contributions to sustainable culinary practices. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
Hyderabad earned its place in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2019, becoming India’s first city to receive the Gastronomy tag. Known for its iconic Hyderabadi biryani, the city’s cuisine is a fusion of Mughlai, Turkish, and Arabic influences, shaped by the Nizami legacy. (Image: AI-Generated)
The city’s food – Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, kebabs, double ka meetha, and qubani ka meetha – is deeply tied to its history, with recipes passed down through generations. Hyderabad’s nomination emphasized its efforts in preserving traditional cooking methods and promoting local ingredients. (Image: AI-Generated)
The city’s food festivals, street food culture, and culinary schools have helped position it as a global gastronomic destination, attracting tourists and food enthusiasts from around the world. (Image: AI-Generated)
On World Cities Day, October 31, 2025, Lucknow was officially declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. This recognition places Lucknow among 70 global gastronomy hubs, joining cities like Macao, Saint Petersburg, and Quanzhou. (Image: AI-Generated)
Awadhi Cuisine is known for its slow-cooked delicacies like galouti kebab, Awadhi biryani, tokri chaat, malai gilori, and puri-kachori. The city’s food is a symbol of artistry, inclusivity, and community dialogue. (Image: AI-Generated)
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh noted that this recognition will boost culinary tourism in Uttar Pradesh and strengthen India’s soft power globally. (Image: Facebook)
Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) promotes cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Cities are recognized in fields like Gastronomy, Literature, Music, Crafts, Design, Film, and Media Arts. (Image: AI-Generated)
With Hyderabad and Lucknow now on the global food map, India’s diverse culinary heritage is gaining international recognition. These designations not only celebrate traditional recipes but also encourage culinary innovation, local employment, and cross-cultural exchange.
