By Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama and one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism, is witnessing a surge of interest from food brands, both local and international, who want to open their outlets in the city. The reason behind this is the expected influx of pilgrims and tourists who will visit the city is Ram Mandir.
According to a recent study by the government, Ayodhya is projected to receive 50 million visitors annually, which is more than any other pilgrim site in India, such as Amritsar and Tirupati. This will create a huge demand for food and hospitality services, as well as generate employment opportunities for the local population.
The food brands that are planning to open in Ayodhya are catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of the visitors, who will come from different parts of India and the world. The city will offer a variety of cuisines, ranging from Indian to international.
Indian cuisine, which is known for its richness and diversity, will be the main attraction for the visitors. The city will showcase the regional specialties of North India, South India, and the local Avadhi cuisine, The Avadhi cuisine is famous for its delicacies such as Nimona, Paneer-Do-Pyaaza/Awadhi Paneer, Makhan Malai and chaats. The city will also serve the Satvic cuisine, which is based on the principles of Ayurveda and is considered to be pure and healthy. The Satvic cuisine consists of dishes made from grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and nuts, and avoids onion and garlic.
The city will also cater to the international visitors, who will be able to enjoy cuisines from different parts of the world, such as American, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese. These cuisines will offer dishes such as pizzas, burgers, tacos, pasta, and noodles, which are popular among the global audience. However, the food brands will have to adapt their menus to suit the local palate and preferences, as well as the religious sentiments of the pilgrims. Therefore, all of the food items will be vegetarian.
The food outlets will be located in various places in the city, such as near the Ram Mandir, along the river, and in the market areas. They will also vary in their ambience and service, from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes, and from street stalls to food trucks. The visitors will be able to choose from a wide range of options, depending on their budget, mood, and occasion.
Ayodhya, which is already a spiritual and cultural hub, will soon become a culinary destination as well, attracting pilgrims and tourists who want to experience the city’s history, heritage, and cuisine. The city will offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity, of sacred and secular, and of local and global, making it a memorable and enjoyable place to visit.
