From Petha to Litti-Chokha: UP Aims to Make Every District’s Cuisine a Brand

Lucknow: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to give the state’s rich culinary heritage a structured identity through the “One District–One Cuisine” (ODOC) initiative. This innovative model envisions developing all 18 divisions of the state into cuisine clusters, connecting traditional local dishes with modern branding, marketing, and infrastructure. The move is expected to boost employment, investment, food startups, and tourism across the state.

The ODOC model aims to highlight each district’s unique and traditional foods, providing them with a platform for quality enhancement, attractive packaging, and broader market access. By bridging the state’s cultural culinary legacy with contemporary consumer trends, the initiative seeks to give Uttar Pradesh’s food culture a new identity while supporting the vision of an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Uttar Pradesh.

Under the cuisine cluster framework, each district’s signature dishes will be identified and promoted at both state and national levels. These dishes will be presented in a way that retains their traditional essence while appealing to modern tastes. Iconic foods like Agra’s Petha, Mathura’s Peda, Gorakhpur’s Litti-Chokha, and Kanpur’s Samosa and Laddoo are set to become recognized food brands. Their reach will no longer remain limited to local markets; they will be showcased through e-commerce platforms, food festivals, and tourist destinations across India and abroad.

The initiative also emphasizes entrepreneurship and the growth of the food sector. The state government, under CM Yogi Adityanath, is committed to empowering food startups, MSMEs, and local entrepreneurs. Cuisine clusters will support the development of food processing units, packaging facilities, cold chains, quality testing labs, and training centers, opening new avenues for youth and women entrepreneurs.

Additionally, the ODOC model aligns with the government’s pro-industry policies, single-window clearance system, and ease of doing business reforms, ensuring that investments in the food sector are facilitated efficiently. Local producers will be provided with support in FSSAI compliance, branding, and market linkages, enabling them to develop products that meet national and international standards.

The expected impact of the initiative goes beyond branding. Cuisine cluster-based development will generate new employment opportunities, attract local and external investments, and promote food tourism. Hotels, restaurants, airports, railway stations, and key tourist spots will showcase ODOC cuisines, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a premier food destination state.

With this strategic push, Uttar Pradesh aims to transform its diverse culinary offerings—from sweet Petha and Peda to savory Litti-Chokha and Samosa—into celebrated brands that tell the story of the state’s rich culture and flavor, reaching kitchens and palates across the nation and the world.