Uttar Pradesh, home to some of India’s richest culinary traditions, is set to rewrite its tourism story—this time, through food. After the massive success of the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, the state government has unveiled an ambitious new mission: One District, One Cuisine (ODOC), a scheme designed to celebrate local flavours, revive forgotten recipes, and transform every district into a culinary destination.
The ODOC initiative aims to map and market signature dishes of all 75 districts, turning them into powerful cultural and economic assets. From Awadhi delicacies to Bundelkhandi staples and Purvanchal’s festive foods, Uttar Pradesh plans to showcase its diverse food heritage to the world.
“Every district has a signature flavour”—Highlighting identity through food
A senior state official said the scheme’s vision is not just to promote dishes, but to preserve cultural identity.
“Every district has a signature flavor rooted in its culture. We want the world to experience the authentic taste of Uttar Pradesh,” the official stated.
The government believes ODOC will bring long-overdue recognition to families who have guarded traditional recipes for generations—many of whom never received commercial opportunities despite their unmatched culinary expertise.
A Big Boost for Jobs, Tourism, and Local Economies
The ODOC initiative is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
From home chefs and small eateries to food processors, transporters, and artisans—every layer of the local economy is expected to benefit.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said,
“Food will become a major travel motivator. Tourists will no longer visit only Agra or Varanasi—they will explore lesser-known towns for their signature dishes.”
Early estimates from the tourism department suggest a 20% rise in domestic tourist footfall once the scheme is fully launched.
Restaurants, hotels, markets, cafes, and new-age food startups are gearing up for increased demand.
Turning Local Delicacies into Global Brands
Food processing entrepreneurs believe the scheme can unlock huge export potential.
Already, Awadhi frozen meals, Banarasi snacks, and Rampuri spice blends have small overseas markets. With district-level branding, attractive packaging, and global marketing, these products could become international favourites.
Economists say ODOC will strengthen the supply chain for:
●Farmers
●Dairy and poultry workers
●Spice traders
●Women’s self-help groups
●Small food manufacturers
It aligns perfectly with ODOP’s proven model of rural economic uplift.
Preserving Heritage: Bringing Lost Recipes Back to Life
Many traditional dishes—once central to UP’s cultural fabric—are slowly vanishing. Culinary historian Dr. Meera Zaidi from BHU said,
“Recipes passed down through generations are disappearing. This initiative can revive them and support the families who preserve such heritage.”
The scheme may include:
● Certification of authenticity
● Training for cooks and chefs
● Digital branding for each district
● District-based food festivals & curated food trails
● Collaborations with national food platforms
A New Chapter in UP’s Growth Story
The One District, One Cuisine initiative is more than a tourism project—it is a cultural revival, an economic catalyst, and a tribute to culinary heritage.
By merging tradition with modern branding, Uttar Pradesh aims to position itself as India’s top food tourism state, while building strong opportunities for local communities.
The government is currently taking industry feedback and will soon release the official implementation roadmap.
