Lucknow's Sizzling Food Heritage Wins UNESCO Praise, Sparks Veggie vs Non-Veg Debate

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Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, has made history by becoming the second Indian city to be designated a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO. The recognition, announced on October 31, 2025, has sparked a heated debate over the city's rich food heritage, with some top leaders and social media users celebrating vegetarian dishes while others lament the absence of non-vegetarian options. The UNESCO honour celebrates Lucknow's centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, which includes iconic dishes like Galouti Kabab, Awadhi Biryani, Chaat, and Makhan Malai. However, the announcement has led to a lively discussion on social media, with some users praising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's list of vegetarian dishes, which included Chaat, Malaiyo, and Sohan Halwa, while others pointed out the omission of non-veg options like kebabs and biryani. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat's post, shared by PM Narendra Modi, also sparked a debate, with some users noticing the absence of non-veg dishes in the photo. The controversy highlights the diversity of Lucknow's cuisine, which is renowned for its rich cultural unity and unique dishes. The UNESCO recognition is expected to boost Lucknow's global outreach and promote food-based entrepreneurship, according to Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh. Chief Minister Adityanath believes that the love for Lucknow's food will become a bridge for a new wave of tourism, carrying the city's rich food traditions to every corner of the country and the world. As Lucknow joins Hyderabad as the second Indian city in the Creative Cities Network, the city's food enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see how this recognition will shape the future of Lucknow's culinary scene.