By Staff Reporter
Lucknow, June 23
Lucknowโs iconic food culture is about to get a fresh, health-conscious twist with the arrival of Dhokha, a unique vegetarian food cart that brings an ancient yet lesser-known dish from Uttar Pradesh back to the limelight. Set to launch on June 27, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra, Dhokha will be stationed at Kapoorthala, Lucknow, next to Sahara Towet, promising a wholesome, nostalgic, and satisfying street food experience for all age groups.
The brainchild of Vishek Srivastava and Shivam Srivastava, this food venture aims to revive traditional Indian flavors in a way thatโs both healthy and heartwarming. The dish, also named Dhokha, is an innovative vegetarian creation made from besan (gram flour) and amla (Indian gooseberry)โtwo highly nutritious ingredients known for their health benefits. With a texture and appearance strikingly similar to kaleji (liver), a popular non-vegetarian delicacy, Dhokha serves as a perfect example of how vegetarian cuisine can be just as bold, flavorful, and satisfying.
A Misleading Name with a Healthy Twist
The name Dhokha might sound ironic at firstโit literally means โdeceptionโ in Hindi. But thereโs a clever reason behind it. As co-founder Vishek Srivastava explains with a smile, โWe call it Dhokha because it looks like a non-veg dishโkaleji to be preciseโbut itโs 100% vegetarian and made from simple, locally sourced ingredients. Itโs a fun take on traditional food, but also a very conscious one.โ
This irony is part of the charm and curiosity that surrounds the dish. Once popular in select rural pockets of Uttar Pradesh, the recipe had slowly faded from mainstream memory. Now, thanks to the Srivastava duoโs innovative approach, Dhokha is ready to return to plates and palatesโthis time in a sleek, urban street food format.
Rooted in Tradition, Prepared for Modern Tastes
The ingredientsโbesan and amlaโare not just nutritious but culturally significant as well. Besan is a staple in Indian households, rich in protein and easy to digest. Amla, on the other hand, is a superfood packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, widely used in Ayurvedic treatments. The dish is steamed, sautรฉed, and spiced to perfection, offering a burst of tangy, savory, and mildly spicy flavors with every bite.
According to Shivam Srivastava, โWe wanted to create something thatโs not only delicious but also good for the body. With Dhokha, weโre offering a snack that even fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious customers can enjoy without guilt.โ
The food cart will also focus on maintaining hygiene, affordability, and accessibilityโvalues that resonate strongly with modern consumers. Prices will be kept pocket-friendly, making Dhokha a great option for students, working professionals, and families alike.
A New Flavor on the Rath Yatra Plate
The decision to launch on Rath Yatra is more than symbolicโitโs a nod to tradition, faith, and community. Rath Yatra, the chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is widely celebrated across India, especially in Odisha and parts of North India. The founders believe this holy day is the perfect time to begin a venture rooted in Indian tradition.
โThe festival is all about devotion, unity, and celebration. We couldnโt think of a better day to share our dish with the world,โ says Vishek.
To mark the grand opening, the food cart will offer special discounts and a festive menu on June 27. Local influencers, food bloggers, and curious foodies are expected to turn up in large numbers to experience this intriguing new offering.
More than a Food Cart: A Mission to Revive Culinary Heritage
While Dhokha begins as a humble food cart, the founders have larger ambitions. They see this as the first step in a broader mission to reintroduce traditional, forgotten dishes from Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India to a new generation.
โWeโre not just selling foodโweโre telling stories through flavor,โ Shivam emphasizes.
โThereโs so much richness in our local cuisine that people donโt know about. If we can bring even a small part of that back into peopleโs lives, itโll be worth it.โ
There are also plans to expand the menu over time, introducing complementary items and regional beverages that align with the same philosophy of healthy, traditional, and street-smart eating.
Visit Dhokha in Kapoorthala, Lucknow
For those eager to explore a new yet familiar taste, Dhokha awaits you at Kapoorthala, one of Lucknowโs bustling and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether youโre a die-hard foodie, a curious vegetarian, or just someone looking for a healthy snack, Dhokha promises to be an experience worth trying.
So mark your calendars for June 27, and be part of the flavorful deception thatโs about to win heartsโone plate at a time.
Follow Dhokha on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and upcoming offers. For media inquiries or collaboration, reach out at dhokhaat60@gmail.com.
For More : โwww.dhokha.in
