Andhra Pradesh is endowed with a rich culinary tradition. Be it the famous Bandar laddu , the red hot aavakaya , the unique combination of gongura-mutton , the tangy chepa pulusu or traditional desserts like bobbattu, kaza and arisa , kitchens here are a smorgasbord of lip-smacking vegetarian and non-vegetarian flavours.
We also have some unique heritage recipes like pulasa chepa koora, putharekulu and ulava charu .
The food and culture here varies from region to region, and it will be an exciting thing to decide on the signature dish that reflects the culture, tradition and identity of the State.
The Hindu , in association with the Tourism Department, has taken up the mission to identify and promote the ‘Signature dish’ of Andhra Pradesh.
The exciting part of the event is the active participation of people of the State who will have a say in the decision by voting for their favourite dish through SMS/WhatsApp (district name space dish name +91 9100020391/92), or by calling +91 9100020391/92) or log on to www.ourstateourtaste.com .
Of the recipes collected, 50 dishes will be shortlisted and put to public voting again to zero in on three most important dishes that reflect the culinary culture of the State.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, preliminary rounds of cookery contests on the theme ‘Our State, Our Taste’ will be held in the 13 districts from January 21 to March 4.
The participants will be asked to cook any one of the 50 dishes earmarked as ‘heritage dishes’ based on public voting.
Eminent jury
A jury consisting of eminent chefs will select three winners from each district who will qualify for the grand finale proposed at ‘A’ Convention hall in Vijayawada on March 9 where the winner will get the title of ‘Master Chef of AP.’
Telugu people outside the State can participate by uploading videos of their recipes. Fifty contestants (39 from the districts and 11 from online contestants) will vie for the title in the final round. Andhra Pradesh Tourism is the title sponsor while Premier Cookware and Appliances and Gopuram Food Products are other sponsors of the event.
