Ayodhya, the holy city of Lord Ram, is opening its doors to international food chains, including KFC, with one significant condition: they must serve only vegetarian menus within the Panch Kosi Marg, a 15-km pilgrimage circuit around the Ram Temple.

The decision comes as Ayodhya aims to become a tourism hub, especially after the grand opening of the Ram Mandir in 2024. The city expects to attract millions of visitors from across the country and abroad, who have diverse dietary preferences and expectations.

The local administration has clarified that serving liquor and meat within the restricted zone is strictly prohibited, as it goes against the religious sentiments of the devotees. However, outside the zone, food chains are free to offer their regular menus.

Vishal Singh, a government official in Ayodhya, said that they are welcoming big food chain outlets to set up their shops in Ayodhya, but the restriction on non-veg food items is non-negotiable. He said that KFC has already set up its unit at Ayodhya-Lucknow highway, where it serves its signature fried chicken. But if it wants to open another outlet within the city, it has to go vegetarian.

This is not the first time that KFC has adapted to the local culture and taste. The company has a history of offering vegetarian options in India, such as the Veg Zinger burger, the Veg Rice Bowl, and the Veg Strips. In fact, KFC already has a vegetarian-only outlet in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where it caters to the predominantly vegetarian population.

KFC is not the only food chain that is eyeing the Ayodhya market. Other brands such as Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and McDonald’s are also looking for opportunities to establish their presence in the city. They are ready to tweak their menus and offer vegetarian variants of their popular products, such as pizzas, burgers, and fries.

The emergence of global food chains in Ayodhya signifies a shift in the culinary landscape of the city, which has traditionally been dominated by local delicacies such as kachori, jalebi, lassi, and chaat. The new entrants are expected to bring more variety and choice to the consumers, as well as generate employment and revenue for the city.

However, some experts have raised concerns over the impact of fast food on the health and environment of the city. They have urged the authorities to regulate the quality and hygiene of the food outlets, and to promote organic and sustainable farming practices among the local farmers.

Ayodhya, which is known for its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is now embracing the modern and global trends of food and hospitality. The city is undergoing a transformation, as it balances its traditional values with its contemporary aspirations.

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