NewKerala.com

Lucknow's Culinary Crown: UNESCO Names City of Gastronomy After Hyderabad

Lucknow has achieved a remarkable culinary milestone by being designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This prestigious recognition makes it only the second Indian city to receive this honor after Hyderabad. The city's famous Awadhi cuisine, including its succulent kebabs and distinctive biryani, played a key role in earning this global acknowledgment. This designation will significantly boost Lucknow's international profile and open new opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism development.

Key Points: Lucknow Named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy Second India

  • Lucknow becomes second Indian city in UNESCO gastronomy category after Hyderabad's 2019 designation
  • UNESCO praised city's historic Awadhi cuisine and culinary creativity on World Cities Day
  • Union Culture Minister credited PM Modi's leadership for global cultural recognition
  • Designation opens avenues for tourism promotion and international cultural collaboration
3 min read

Lucknow named UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, second in India after Hyderabad

Lucknow joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network for gastronomy, becoming India's second city after Hyderabad to receive this prestigious culinary recognition.

"Lucknow's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem - Tim Curtis, UNESCO Regional Office"

Lucknow, November 1

From its famous street foods to its royal kitchen traditions, Lucknow's cuisine has brought together history, innovation and community spirit for centuries. Now the city has earned a place on the official global culinary map after UNESCO named it a Creative City of Gastronomy.

The designation was announced by UNESCO on 31 October, World Cities Day, as part of 58 additions this year to its Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

Lucknow becomes the second Indian city to be added to UCCN's gastronomy category, after Hyderabad was named in 2019, as per the press release.

Union Minister of Culture and Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the news on X, "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, and opens new avenues for tourism promotion, culture-led economic growth, heritage conservation, and international collaboration through the UNESCO Creative Cities Network."

He credited the recognition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, adding, "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."

https://x.com/gssjodhpur/status/1984459631419167170

Announcing the designation, UNESCO paid tribute to Lucknow's historic Awadhi cuisine as well as its flair for culinary creativity. The city is renowned for many distinct dishes, including its succulent kebabs and distinctive take on biryani.

With this recognition, Lucknow becomes one of 408 cities across more than 100 countries that have been acknowledged for their contributions to creative industries such as crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, and music. This year, architecture has been introduced as a new creative field within the network, as per the press release.

"Lucknow's recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a testament to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem. This designation honors the city's rich cultural legacy while opening new avenues for international collaboration," said Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO Regional Office for South Asia.

The UCCN aims to strengthen international cooperation among cities that recognize culture and creativity as drivers of sustainable urban development. Launched in 2004, it supports cities that invest in cultural industries, empower creative professionals, and engage communities to promote inclusion, jobs, and economic vitality, as per the press release.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great achievement for Lucknow! But I wish the minister hadn't made it political by crediting PM Modi. This recognition belongs to the generations of Lucknow's chefs, home cooks, and food artisans who preserved our culinary traditions through centuries.
S
Sarah B
As a food blogger who visited Lucknow last year, I can confirm this is well-deserved! The food culture there is incredible - from street food to royal cuisine. The biryani and kebabs are unlike anything else in India. Can't wait to visit again!
A
Arjun K
Hyderabad in 2019 and now Lucknow in 2024! India's diverse culinary heritage is finally getting the global recognition it deserves. Hope this brings more international tourists and helps preserve our traditional cooking methods. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
K
Kavya N
This is wonderful news! My grandmother was from Lucknow and she used to tell us stories about the royal kitchens and their secret recipes. The UNESCO recognition will help preserve these traditions for future generations. Time to plan a food trip to Lucknow!
M
Michael C
Working in tourism industry, I can see how this will boost Lucknow's profile internationally. The city has amazing food heritage that many foreign tourists don't know about. This UNESCO tag will put it on the global food tourism map alongside cities like Lyon and Bologna.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50