The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has rolled out its ‘One District, One Cuisine’ (ODOC) scheme, but a major change in Lucknow’s food identity has sparked debate. The city’s iconic non-vegetarian dishes like Galawat kebab and Awadhi biryani have been left out of the official list.
Vegetarian Dishes Replace Nawabi Classics
Under the new scheme, Lucknow will now be represented by vegetarian items such as chaat, malai makhan, and rewari. This marks a significant shift for a city long known for its Nawabi cuisine, especially its rich meat-based delicacies.
For decades, dishes like Galawat kebab—known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture—and slow-cooked Awadhi biryani have defined Lucknow’s culinary reputation. Their exclusion from the official list has raised questions about changing priorities in state-led food promotion.
What is the ODOC Scheme?
The ‘One District, One Cuisine’ initiative is modelled on the government’s ‘One District, One Product’ programme. It assigns each of Uttar Pradesh’s 75 districts a set of signature dishes for branding, marketing, and potential export.
According to the government, the aim is to promote traditional food, support small businesses, and boost tourism by giving each district a distinct culinary identity. Food entrepreneurs under the scheme may also receive financial incentives, including subsidies.
No Non-Vegetarian Items in the List
One of the most striking aspects of the newly released list is that it includes only vegetarian items across all districts. Popular non-vegetarian dishes such as kebabs and biryani—closely associated with Lucknow’s heritage—are absent.
This has led many to view the move as part of a broader policy direction favouring vegetarian cuisine in official state promotion.
New Food Trail for Lucknow
With the revised list, Lucknow’s official food identity now highlights its street food and seasonal sweets.
Chaat remains a major attraction, especially varieties like tokri chaat, which combines crispy potato baskets with chutneys, curd, and spices. Malai makhan, a delicate winter dessert made from whipped cream and dew, continues to be a seasonal favourite in the old city areas. Rewari, a sesame and jaggery sweet, reflects traditional winter snacking habits in the region.
Iconic Dishes Still Thrive Beyond Policy
Despite their removal from official branding, Lucknow’s famous kebabs and biryani remain widely popular and continue to draw food lovers.
Historic eateries like Tunday Kababi are still known for Galawat kebabs, while places like Idris Biryani continue to serve traditional Awadhi biryani.
