Uttar Pradesh's recent 'One District, One Cuisine' (ODOC) initiative, which aims to enhance the branding and market reach of local dishes, has come under fire for its all-vegetarian selection of 208 signature dishes. Notably absent are popular non-vegetarian items such as Lucknow's Galouti kebabs and Awadhi biryani, which have been staples of the region's culinary heritage. Food historian Pushpesh Pant criticized the initiative, describing the exclusion of meat dishes as 'selective discrimination.' In defense, UP minister JPS Rathore stated that the government is promoting vegetarian cuisine without restricting non-vegetarian options. The ODOC scheme is designed to support local businesses and create jobs by helping traditional foods from smaller districts reach a broader audience. However, the absence of well-known non-vegetarian dishes has sparked significant discussion among food enthusiasts.