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Food enthusiasts fear the new rules could alter the essence of Lucknow's iconic cuisine. (Representative image: AP)
The new regulation could potentially alter the distinctive flavours that define Lucknow's beloved dishes.
Lucknow's famous culinary traditions, renowned for its exquisite biryani and kebabs, could soon undergo a significant change. The city's Municipal Corporation has mandated that all coal-fired restaurants and food vendors switch to gas stoves to combat rising levels of air pollution. This new regulation could alter the distinctive flavours that define Lucknow's much-loved dishes.
Lucknow, often praised for its rich cultural heritage and sophisticated taste, is grappling with worsening air quality, as revealed by a recent study by the Institute of Energy and Resources. The study highlighted a severe deterioration in the city’s air quality, prompting the local administration to take action.
Local restaurateurs, who have long been using charcoal to grill kebabs and cook biryani, maintain that the unique aroma and flavour of their dishes is a direct result of the use of charcoal. They expressed concern that the shift to gas would diminish the distinctive flavour that attracted food lovers to their establishments.
“Charcoal has been an integral part of our cooking methods for generations,” the restaurateurs said, adding: “It brings a special flavour and texture to our dishes that gas simply cannot replicate. While we understand the importance of tackling air pollution, we urge the administration to consider the impact on our culinary traditions and explore alternative solutions.”
“We are also concerned about air pollution and will follow whatever decision the administration takes,” they said. However, they also believe that the local administration should take into account the various aspects of cooking.
Food enthusiasts have also expressed concern, fearing that the new rules could alter the essence of Lucknow's iconic cuisine. Many believe that traditional charcoal cooking methods have significantly contributed to the unique taste and quality of the city's food.
The local administration is aware of these concerns but maintains that switching to gas is crucial to improving air quality and stresses the need for continued research and dialogue to balance environmental goals with preserving the city's culinary heritage.
