Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s newly launched ‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC) initiative has kicked up a debate after the state government unveiled a list of 208 signature dishes representing its 75 districts with not a single non-vegetarian dish making the cut.
The omission has surprised many, especially because Uttar Pradesh is home to some of India’s most celebrated meat based delicacies. World famous dishes such as Lucknow’s Galouti and Tunday kebabs, Awadhi biryani, Rampuri seekh kebabs, Moradabadi biryani and nihari are nowhere on the list. Instead, the government has chosen only vegetarian dishes, sweets and snacks to showcase each district’s culinary identity.
The ODOC scheme is designed to promote traditional foods in the same way the state’s successful One District One Product (ODOP) programme has boosted local industries. The idea is to help regional food businesses with branding, packaging, marketing and financial assistance, while encouraging food entrepreneurs to take local specialties to a wider market.
Under the list, Lucknow has been associated with rewari, chaat, malai makkhan and mango based products, while Agra is represented by its famous petha and Mathura by its iconic peda. Several districts have also been linked to regional sweets, pickles and traditional vegetarian dishes.
But the absence of Uttar Pradesh’s rich non-vegetarian heritage has drawn criticism from chefs, food lovers and historians. Many argue that the list presents only one side of the state’s culinary tradition and overlooks dishes that have shaped its identity for centuries.
Food historian Pushpesh Pant questioned the decision, saying that iconic Awadhi dishes are recognised across India and abroad and deserve a place in any list celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s cuisine. Critics say leaving out such dishes makes the initiative incomplete.
Facing criticism, Uttar Pradesh MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan clarified that the exclusion of non-vegetarian dishes was not deliberate. He said the list is not final and can be updated based on recommendations from district committees and public feedback. According to the minister, the government’s priority was to identify dishes with strong potential for commercial promotion and branding.
Along with promoting regional cuisines, the ODOC scheme will offer financial support to food entrepreneurs, including assistance for food processing units, packaging, branding, exhibitions and marketing.
While the initiative has been welcomed for highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s diverse food traditions, the exclusion of globally recognised dishes such as kebabs and biryani has become the biggest talking point. Whether these iconic flavours find a place in future editions of the list will depend on the recommendations received from districts in the coming months.
ALSO READ: FSSAI Makes âVâ Logo Mandatory For Vegan Food Products From July 2027