Lucknow named UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy': 10 must-try dishes in the city

On Friday, UNESCO declared Lucknow a “Creative City of Gastronomy” at the 43rd session of its General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, officials said. The designation places Lucknow among 70 gastronomy cities worldwide and makes it the second Indian city to win the title after Hyderabad.
As per reports, the state’s Directorate of Tourism submitted Lucknow’s nomination to the Ministry of Culture on January 31, 2025, and the Government of India selected the city as the country’s official entry on March 3, 2025. Officials said the UNESCO announcement on October 31 formally confirms the city’s entry into the Creative Cities Network. This is the second Indian city that has made to UNSESCO's list. Before this, Hyderabad was added to the prestigious list in year 2018.

It is reported that this UNESCO tag is an opportunity to promote culinary heritage, support small food entrepreneurs and develop food-led tourism circuits. As per officials, there are plans underway to use the recognition to boost training, market access for local vendors and sustainable practices that protect both culinary traditions and the livelihoods that depend on them. Take a look at the must-try dishes in the City of Nawabs.

It is a legendary Lucknow delicacy, these melt-in-the-mouth kebabs are made from finely minced meat and a secret blend of over 100 spices — a must-have for any food lover.

These are soft, spiced, and aromatic kebabs that were originally created for a toothless Nawab. They’re best enjoyed with ultra-thin parathas or sheermal.

Fragrant rice layered with tender meat and subtle spices, Lucknow’s biryani is known for its delicate aroma and balance of flavors—less fiery, more regal.

It is a slow-cooked mutton stew traditionally eaten at dawn. Nihari is rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor — the true essence of Lucknow’s Mughlai legacy.

These are juicy minced meat skewered and grilled to perfection. Seekh kebabs in Lucknow are smoky, spicy, and served with mint chutney and onions.

It is a saffron-flavored, mildly sweet naan that pairs beautifully with kebabs and kormas, adding a royal touch to the meal.

Tender pieces of mutton simmered in a creamy, spiced gravy — this royal dish captures the slow-cooked artistry of Awadhi cuisine.

It is a street-food marvel, which combines crispy potato baskets filled with tangy chutneys, yogurt, and spices.

It is a winter specialty and refers to an airy, creamy dessert made from milk froth and saffron. It is light as a cloud and melts in your mouth.

End your food trail with Lucknow’s famous kulfi falooda — rich, nutty, and perfectly chilled — the sweetest way to complete your culinary journey.