Overview
- Uttar Pradesh’s cabinet approved the One District–One Cuisine scheme on Monday with a ₹150 crore outlay and subsidies of up to 25% capped at ₹20 lakh for food entrepreneurs.
- The government released a map of 208 signature items across 75 districts that features only vegetarian dishes, with Lucknow now showcasing chaat, malai makhan and rewari instead of kebabs or biryani.
- State officials say district-level committees led by District Magistrates recommended items based on branding potential and producer networks, and they add the catalogue can change with the Chief Minister’s approval.
- Food experts, including historian Pushpesh Pant, criticized the omission of meat dishes such as galouti kebab and Awadhi biryani and questioned whether the selection reflects bias rather than heritage.
- The state plans to promote selected items through festivals, exhibitions and online platforms, with event support of up to ₹75,000 in India and ₹4 lakh abroad, while clarity on including non-vegetarian cooks remains pending.