Swiggy has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism and Varanasi Nagar Nigam to launch ‘Varanasi ka Swaad, Swiggy ke Saath’, an initiative focused on improving access to the city’s well-known local food offerings for tourists and residents.
The initiative was launched in the presence of Ravindra Jaiswal, Minister of State for Stamp, Court Fee and Registration, Uttar Pradesh, and MLA from Varanasi North.
As part of the programme, representatives from 12 established food outlets in Varanasi were recognised at the event. These include Popular Baati Chokha, Chachi Ki Prasiddh Kachori, Laxmi Chai, Pahalwan Lassi, Gama Paan Bhandar, Kaashi Chaat Bhandar, Neelu Kachori, Taste King, Pathak Ji Thandai Waala, Netaji Paan Bhandar, Gauri Shankar Kachori Wala, and Banarasi Paan Mandir. The Tourism Department also presented certification plaques to the participating outlets.
Swiggy said traditional food carts will be placed at key locations across the city, including Namo Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Dashashwamedh Ghat. Visitors will be able to access a range of food items from the participating local eateries through these designated points.
Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, shared, “Varanasi’s food traditions are a reflection of its history, culture and the creativity of its people. The city’s iconic delicacies, prepared by generations of local vendors and eateries, are an important part of its tourism appeal.”
He further added, “We welcome Swiggy’s initiative to support these culinary ambassadors by providing them a platform to reach a larger audience, including visitors exploring the city. Such collaborations play an important role in preserving local food heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for our food entrepreneurs.”
Speaking about the initiative, Shri Satyendra Kumar, District Magistrate, Varanasi, “It is our Prime Minister’s vision to transform Kashi into a world-class tourist destination. The recently announced One District, One Cuisine (ODOC) initiative by the UP Government is aimed at promoting Varanasi’s culinary heritage in India as well as globally, with a focus on iconic food items of the city- from ‘Paan’, ‘Malaiyo’, ‘Kachori’ to ‘Lassi Thandai’.”
He further added, “With the initiative by Swiggy, the city’s traditional food culture will get further visibility amongst tourists and locals, and in turn, help further establish recall for them.”
Added Rohit Kapoor, CEO, Swiggy Food Marketplace, shared “Food is an integral part of a city’s cultural heritage, and we are confident that this initiative will go a long way in promoting the local and iconic delicacies of the city to millions of tourists who visit the holy city. Swiggy stands for convenient access, and with this partnership, we are thrilled to get more customers to explore the culinary heritage of this beautiful city.”
He further added, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Varanasi Nagar Nigam for their unwavering support in helping us bring this vision to life.”
