Food tourism on platter: Celebrity chef for culinary research institute in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW: Ranveer Brar, a Lucknow-born celebrity chef, on Tuesday said a culinary research institute, aimed at promoting the rich cuisine of Lucknow city and the state as a niche tourism product, should be opened in Uttar Pradesh.
Participating in a webinar ‘Being Tourism Ready’ organised by UP tourism department and FICCI, Brar, along with other promiment personalities from travel and tourism sector, discussed the roadmap for the revival of tourism in the state after Covid pandemic.

“Culinary is the USP of our state. We have a perfect balance of street, royal, and temple food. We need to promote our cuisine, have food ambassadors from the state who push it out to the market and a small research institute where people learn about the rich culinary and its origin,” added Brar.
Canada-based travel writer Mariellen Ward emphasised on organising storytelling campaign to attract tourism and inspire people to choose UP as a travel destination.
Principal secretary and director-general, UP tourism and culture, Mukesh Meshram said: “The focus of UP’s tourism is on developing the state as an international destination in coming years by promoting religious, eco and experiential tourism. The state is developing as a major tourist attraction. People are coming forward to develop units like museum and locals are roped in to promote inclusivity and employment.”
“We are also trying to rope in more private investors who can develop a hospitality, handloom or recreational unit in Kushinagar. Keeping focus on future safety protocols as well, we are working on some new projects to bring tourism back on track,” he added.
Panelists also included former Ficci president Jyotsana Suri, travel blogger Phillipa Kaye, Ficci state tourism committee chief Prateek Hira and Oyo INSEA CEO Rohit Kapoor. Chief guest minister of state for tourism and culture Neelkanth Tiwari invited suggestions and ideas to boost tourism.