Is This Indian City the Ultimate Culinary Destination with Kebabs and Biryani?

Lucknow, renowned for its mouth-watering kebabs and fragrant biryani, has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, shining a light on its rich culinary heritage. This recognition aims to promote sustainable urban development through the city's vibrant food culture, fostering international collaboration and tourism. The award celebrates Lucknow's deep-rooted culinary traditions, signalling a promising future for its gastronomic landscape.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Lucknow's recent designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a significant milestone for the city, enhancing its reputation as a culinary hub. This accolade not only highlights the city's rich gastronomic traditions but also opens up new opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange. Residents and food enthusiasts are optimistic that this recognition will lead to increased awareness of Lucknow's diverse food offerings, from its famous kebabs to lesser-known local delicacies.

Key takeaways

Lucknow has been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
This is only the second such designation for an Indian city, following Hyderabad.
The recognition aims to promote sustainable urban development through culinary arts.
Lucknow's cuisine blends rich historical influences, particularly from the Awadhi traditions.
There is hope that this will spotlight both famous and hidden culinary gems in the city.

Timeline: how we got here

Lucknow's culinary journey is long and storied, culminating in its recent UNESCO recognition. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events:

18th Century: The city flourishes under the Nawabs, developing a unique culinary identity.
2019: Hyderabad becomes the first Indian city recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
September 2023: Lucknow is designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The recent recognition by UNESCO has sparked renewed interest in Lucknow's culinary scene, encouraging local chefs and restaurateurs to promote their dishes and stories. The city is poised to leverage this accolade to enhance its tourism sector and cultural outreach.

What was already established

Lucknow has long been celebrated for its rich culinary heritage, particularly for dishes such as kebabs and biryani, which have historical significance dating back to the Nawabs. The city's food culture has been shaped by its historical rulers and local communities, resulting in a unique blend of flavours and techniques.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK residents, the UNESCO recognition of Lucknow could lead to increased culinary tourism and interest in Indian cuisine. Restaurants might begin introducing more authentic Awadhi dishes, and food festivals could highlight Lucknow's culinary offerings.

Businesses and jobs

The designation may also create new opportunities for UK-based businesses in the food and hospitality sectors. As awareness grows, there may be a surge in demand for culinary tours and experiences that focus on Lucknow's diverse food culture.

Policy and regulation

With this recognition, there may be implications for food policy and urban development in Lucknow, potentially leading to increased investment in local food businesses and heritage preservation initiatives. This shift could encourage collaboration between UK and Indian culinary professionals.

Numbers that matter

408: Total number of UNESCO Creative Cities worldwide.
2: Number of Indian cities recognised as Creative Cities of Gastronomy (Lucknow and Hyderabad).
150: Years since Netram, a historic eatery in Lucknow, was established.
1: The singular focus on food that residents maintain throughout their daily lives, showcasing a deep culinary commitment.
5: The number of key dishes that define Lucknow’s culinary identity, including kebabs, biryani, and desserts.

Definitions and jargon buster

UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which promotes international collaboration in education, science, culture, and communication.
Gastronomy: The art and science of good eating, often associated with the culinary traditions of a specific region.
Dum pukht: A traditional slow-cooking technique from Awadh, where dishes are cooked in a sealed pot over low heat.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect increased media coverage of Lucknow’s culinary scene, alongside potential promotional events aimed at attracting tourists and food enthusiasts.

Medium term (1–6 months)

There may be initiatives launched to educate both locals and visitors about Lucknow’s culinary heritage, possibly involving food tours and cooking classes.

Signals to watch

Increased social media mentions of Lucknow’s food scene.
New restaurant openings focusing on Awadhi cuisine.
Partnerships between UK and Indian food businesses.

Practical guidance

Do

Explore local eateries to discover authentic Awadhi dishes.
Engage with food tourism initiatives that promote Lucknow’s culinary heritage.
Consider participating in cooking classes to learn traditional techniques.

Don’t

Overlook the lesser-known eateries that often serve the best local dishes.
Assume that all Indian food is the same; every region has unique offerings.
Miss out on street food; it’s an integral part of Lucknow’s culinary identity.

Checklist

Research Lucknow's top street food spots before visiting.
Plan to try at least three distinct local dishes.
Learn about the history of the kebabs and biryani you enjoy.
Visit local markets to experience the vibrant food culture.
Document your culinary journey through photos and notes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the UNESCO recognition is a positive development, there are uncertainties regarding how effectively Lucknow can leverage this accolade for economic and cultural benefit. The challenge lies in ensuring that the city’s culinary traditions are preserved while also appealing to a broader audience. Additionally, there is a risk that increased tourism may lead to commercialisation that could dilute the authenticity of its food culture.

Bottom line

Lucknow's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is a pivotal moment for its culinary landscape, promising to rejuvenate interest in its rich food traditions. As the city looks to share its gastronomic heritage with the world, the hope is that both locals and international visitors will engage deeply with its vibrant food culture, ensuring its legacy continues for generations.

FAQs

What does UNESCO's Creative City of Gastronomy designation mean for Lucknow?

This designation highlights Lucknow's rich culinary heritage and aims to promote sustainable urban development through its food culture, encouraging tourism and international collaboration.

How does Lucknow's cuisine differ from other Indian regions?

Lucknow's cuisine, particularly Awadhi, is known for its slow-cooked dishes and royal influences, blending Persian and local culinary traditions, which sets it apart from other regional cuisines.

What are some must-try dishes in Lucknow?

Visitors should try the famous galouti kebabs, biryani, and traditional desserts like shahi tukda, along with local vegetarian offerings and street food such as chaat.