Prashant Issar
On Oct 31, 2025, this remarkable heritage earned global recognition when Unesco designated Lucknow a Creative City of Gastronomy, making it the second Indian city after Hyderabad to receive the distinction. The City of Nawabs has always known how to make people feel welcome. (Writer is the managing director of a city-based hospitality group) You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news. In Lucknow, food has never been merely about what is served on a plate. It is an expression of ‘tehzeeb’, a celebration of ‘mehmaan-nawazi’ and a legacy passed down through generations. From the aromatic ‘galouti kebabs’ of Chowk and Aminabad to the slow-cooked ‘biryanis’ of Nawabi kitchens, the city’s culinary traditions have shaped its identity for centuries, making food one of its strongest attractions for travellers. As the City of Nawabs completes one year with this recognition, it presents an opportunity to strengthen culinary tourism, celebrate its rich food heritage and showcase the city’s evolving hospitality landscape to a wider audience. The Uttar Pradesh govt’s growing emphasis on tourism and infrastructure development is helping create an environment for this evolution. Improved connectivity through new expressways and an expanded airport, along with large-format retail developments, is strengthening Lucknow’s appeal as a tourism and hospitality destination. Initiatives such as single-window clearances through the state’s Nivesh Mitra portal have also contributed to a more investor-friendly environment, encouraging hospitality brands to explore opportunities beyond the metros. What makes Lucknow particularly interesting is that its growing dining culture is not moving away from tradition but building upon it. A city that has always appreciated the nuances of spices, slow cooking and gracious hospitality is now embracing contemporary culinary perspectives and distinctive dining experiences. Lucknow has always had an extraordinary relationship with food, with culinary traditions deeply woven into its culture and identity. Beyond its culinary appeal, Lucknow has also given confidence to hospitality market, with a supportive business environment, a growing sense of safety and a vibrant evening dining culture. Seeing families and groups of women dining late reflects how the city is evolving. Lucknow sits at the cusp of a rich culinary legacy and new age culinary evolution offering a platform to inclusive hospitality. As Lucknow enters its second year as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, its opportunity lies in bringing together heritage, culinary tourism and contemporary hospitality while creating meaningful opportunities for its people. Download the TOI App.