In a visionary step to celebrate the rich culinary diversity of Uttar Pradesh and promote it at a global level, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a new initiative titled ‘One District, One Cuisine (ODOC)’. The announcement came soon after UNESCO conferred the prestigious title of Creative City of Gastronomy on Lucknow, acknowledging the city’s world-famous and diverse food heritage that includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. CM Yogi described this recognition as not merely an honour for Lucknow but as a tribute to the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of the entire state.
The initiative is inspired by the success of Uttar Pradesh’s earlier schemes, such as One District, One Product (ODOP) and One District, One Sport. It aims to promote the unique traditional cuisines of each district, connecting food with culture, identity, and tourism. Taking to his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to actively participate in this new movement by sharing photos and videos of their local dishes prepared at home using the hashtag #OneDistrictOneCuisine. He urged people to take pride in their local dishes and share them with the world, making every home kitchen a representative of Uttar Pradesh’s rich food culture.
मेरे सम्मानित प्रदेश वासियों,
राजधानी लखनऊ को UNESCO ने 'क्रिएटिव सिटी ऑफ गैस्ट्रोनॉमी के रूप में चुना है। व्यंजन बनाने में रचनात्मकता के लिए मिली यह मान्यता लखनऊ ही नहीं बल्कि उत्तर प्रदेश के विविधता से भरे खान-पान का वैश्विक सम्मान है।
दुनिया को इस अप्रतिम स्वाद से परिचित… pic.twitter.com/N2MK1wvqTG
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) November 8, 2025
In his social media post, the chief minister wrote, “The capital city of Lucknow has been selected by UNESCO as a ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’. This recognition in the field of culinary arts is not only an honour for Lucknow but also a global appreciation of Uttar Pradesh’s rich and diverse cuisine. It is our duty to share these unique flavours with the world. Embark on a journey through the world of tastes around you or capture photos or videos of dishes made right at home. Share them on social media with #OneDistrictOneCuisine.”
Along with his post, Yogi Adityanath also shared a detailed note in Hindi, describing how each district in Uttar Pradesh has its own distinctive culinary identity. He wrote, “My dear citizens, every district in the state brings culture, pride, and history to life with its unique flavours. Lucknow’s chaat, Banaras’ malaiyo, Meerut’s gajak, Banda’s sohan halwa, Etawah’s matthe ke aloo, Baghpat’s balushahi, Agra’s petha, Mathura’s peda, Moradabad’s dal, Khurchan of Khurja; the list is endless.” The chief minister added that each dish has its own history and significance and that it is the collective responsibility of the people of Uttar Pradesh to introduce these local delicacies to the world. He expressed confidence that this campaign would not only strengthen the cultural bond among the state’s residents but also boost culinary tourism, employment, and entrepreneurship.
The concept of One District, One Cuisine comes to light at a time when Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a major cultural and economic powerhouse. The new initiative follows the success of the One District, One Product scheme, which promoted traditional crafts and local industries. In the same way, ODOC is also aiming to showcase each district’s special dish, boost food tourism, support local chefs and farmers, and preserve old recipes and cooking traditions for future generations.
Earlier, Lucknow’s recognition by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy marked a significant milestone for India. The announcement was made on World Cities Day (October 31) during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The city now joins the league of global gastronomy hubs, including Chengdu, Jeonju, and Istanbul. Till recently, Hyderabad was the only Indian city on this list, but with Lucknow’s inclusion, India now boasts two cities recognised globally for their culinary excellence. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) admitted 58 cities this year, including Lucknow, for their commitment to championing creativity as a driver of sustainable urban development.
Cultural experts and historians across Uttar Pradesh have welcomed the One District, One Cuisine initiative. Lucknow-based author and storyteller Himanshu Bajpai lauded the effort and called it a timely recognition of regional culinary treasures that have long remained confined within district boundaries. “There are many dishes which are made in a particular district. They remain endemic to that district, and outsiders do not know much about them. Once people embrace this idea, the popularity of these food items will increase,” he said. Bajpai added that the initiative would encourage the younger generation to rediscover traditional recipes and promote the idea of food as a medium of cultural storytelling.
Experts also point out that the ODOC scheme has immense potential to boost the tourism sector in Uttar Pradesh. The state, already rich in historical and religious destinations, could now become a preferred culinary destination for domestic and international tourists. By mapping the signature dishes of all 75 districts, the government could create food trails linking cuisine with culture and heritage. This initiative could also lead to the establishment of district-level food festivals, fairs, and heritage restaurants that serve local delicacies, providing direct benefits to farmers, small food businesses, and home-based entrepreneurs.
The main aim of this initiative matches UNESCO’s goal of using creativity for sustainable growth. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said that the Creative Cities Network includes cities that focus on culture and creativity for development. With 408 cities from over 100 countries in the network, the focus is on using art, design, and food to build inclusive and strong communities.
For Uttar Pradesh, One District, One Cuisine goes beyond gastronomy; it is a celebration of heritage, identity, and self-reliance. Each dish represents the soil, climate, and community of its region, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange and adaptation. From the smoky aroma of Awadhi kebabs to the sweetness of Agra’s petha and the spiced richness of Moradabad’s dal, every plate tells a story of tradition and belonging. As global recognition shines on Lucknow’s cuisine, the state now seeks to ensure that no district’s flavour goes unnoticed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ended his message with an emotional appeal, saying that love for local food and cuisine will help create a new wave of tourism and spread Uttar Pradesh’s rich culinary traditions across the country and the world. The ODOC initiative represents a blend of cultural pride and new economic opportunities. It encourages people to take pride in their local food and share it with the world, strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s image as both India’s cultural hub and a growing centre of global cuisine.
