Uttar Pradesh is not just the most populous state of India, but is also a paradise for foodies. The state currently has 75 districts and each district offers an array of culinary delights of different communties. These flavours are a testament of the bond build among people over shared flavours. In a push to promote this bond of flavours and local delicacies with better branding and market reach, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a district-wise ‘One District One Cuisine’ list. Scroll down to read the details. According to a PTI report, under this ‘One District-One Cuisine’ (ODOC) scheme, each of 75 districts have been assigned few signature dishes for branding, marketing and export. The government said it is aimed at promoting and marketing traditional cuisines from across the state. However, the list does not include any non-vegetarian item and it has raised a lot of eye-brows. A list shared by Awanish K Awasthi, advisor to UP CM shows products ranging from sweets to fruits to the street smart samosa, but omits the much sort after delicacies like galawati kebab, Awadhi biryani, Kakori kebab, etc.If we go by the PTI report, several iconic non-vegetarian dishes long synonymous with the state’s culinary identity, and celebrated nationally and globally, have not been mentioned in the ODOC list. Apart from Lucknow’s galouti kebabs and biryani, the list also excludes Rampur’s mutton korma and seekh kebabs, as well as Bareilly’s popular mutton preparations, along with other well-known non-vegetarian dishes.
What is One District-One Cuisine List
The programme, launched in January 2026 and inspired by the One District-One Product (ODOP) scheme, seeks to identify and promote a signature dish from each of the state’s 75 districts. Its goal include encouraging food entrepreneurship, improving hygiene standards, and building global branding.
What does the list include
According to a news clipping shared by Awanish on his official X post, following dishes are included in the list. Sultanpur – peda, samosa, kadhai puri, red peda, jalebiBarabanki – chandrakala, red pedaAmethi – samosa, jaggery kheer, gulgulaAmbedkar Nagar – balushahi, chaat, khajlaDevipatan division (Gonda) – dahi vadaBahraich – chamcham, kachoriBalrampur – coconut barfi, kalakand, ghamanja, chaatShravasti – imartiLucknow – revdi, mango products, chaat, malai makkhanAgra- petha, dalmoth Firozabad- tikki, kachoriAligarh– dairy products and kachoriMathura- peda and makhan mishri Moradabad– dal dishes, handi halwaHardoi – aloo puri, laddoo, laozhadLakhimpur Kheri – banana, jaggery, khoya peda, kheer mohan, rasgullaRaebareli – spicesSitapur – makhan malai, samosa, mirchi pakoda, pedaUnnao – kala jamun, samosa, kushli, trilok pariAyodhya – chandrakala, balushahi, dahiZamgarh –white carrot halwaMahoba – date jaggeryMeerut- gajak and revdi Prayagraj- kachori, samosa, and rasmalaiHamirpur – bundeli dal-based preparationsVaranasi – thandai, tiranga barfi, lassi and Banarsi paan
What does the expert say?
In an statement to PTI, noted food historian Pushpesh Pant described the all-vegetarian ODOC platter as a “half baked” measure. “This seems to be a half baked move that smacks of bigotry. In short, ignorant nonsense.” Pant, however, clarified that he appreciates vegetarian cuisine as well. “I love all dishes. All I am saying is why engage in selective discrimination?”
What does the government say?
Addressing the omission of non-vegetarian dishes in the list, Cabinet minister Rakesh Sachan told The Indian Express: “It is not intentional. If recommended in the future, they can be added. The idea is not to promote individual popular items but dishes that benefit a larger population through packaging, sales, and promotion.” According to him, the list is flexible and can be upgraded based on public opinion and suggestions. “The list is flexible. The scheme has been approved by the Cabinet, but the list of cuisines can be changed any time based on local recommendations and public demand, with approval from the Chief Minister. It does not require Cabinet approval,” he said to the publication.Images Courtesy: istock
