One District, One Cuisine: UP Govt to promote culinary heritage of Lucknow, Kanpur & 70+ districts

Building on the success of the One District, One Product (ODOP) scheme, the Uttar Pradesh government is now set to spotlight the state's rich culinary diversity. The new initiative, titled One District, One Cuisine (ODOC), aims to celebrate and promote traditional local dishes from each district. The program aims to identify and promote unique local dishes from each district, showcasing the state’s deep-rooted food heritage.

Mirroring the objectives of ODOP, this initiative is expected to boost the marketability of traditional delicacies, support small-scale food businesses, and further strengthen the cultural identity of the state through its diverse cuisines.

Under the highly successful One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government has significantly boosted the recognition and marketability of locally produced items, both within the state and beyond. Leveraging UP's rich cultural and artisanal heritage, the initiative has brought indigenous crafts into the limelight — from the chikankari embroidery of Lucknow and the attar from Kannauj to Banarasi silk and woven carpets of Mirzapur and Bhadohi.

Since its launch, the state government has taken proactive steps to promote these products. Events like 'Hunar Haat' are regularly organised across cities, offering artisans a platform to showcase and sell their crafts. In addition, permanent ODOP kiosks have been established at key transit points including railway stations and airports, ensuring greater visibility and access to these products. The recently held Mahakumbh 2025 also featured a dedicated fair celebrating handcrafted items from all districts under the ODOP banner.

Building on this success, the government has now announced the One District, One Cuisine initiative, aiming to promote the unique culinary identities of each district.

Following the announcement of the One District, One Cuisine initiative, officials from the MSME department have been directed to compile a comprehensive list of traditional dishes unique to each of Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts. Once identified, the government will support local producers in branding and marketing these dishes to a wider audience.

While the government takes the lead, here’s a look at some of the local delicacies from prominent UP districts that truly deserve recognition:

• Lucknow: Awadhi & Mughlai food, Gajjaks and Rewdis, Namkeens & Dalmoth

• Banaras: Launglata, Banarasi Paan, Tamatar Chaat, Tirangi Barfi

• Agra: Petha, Dalmoth

• Prayagraj: Balushahi, Imarti, Allahbaadi Amrud (Guava), Churmura

• Kanpur: Chana Jor Garam, Khurchan (Sweet), Laddu, Chaat, Gud sev

• Meerut: Gajjak, Nankhatai, Meerut-style Biryani

• Bareilly: Aaloo Tikki, Seekh Kebabs, Sooji ka Halwa, Bareilly ki Barfi

• Gorakhpur: Thekua, Peda, Ghugni Chaat

• Mathura: Pedas, Kachori-Sabzi, Mathura Thandai, Chhena-based sweets

• Moradabad: Moradabadi Dal, Kababs, Biryani, local Sev