KFC may open world’s second only vegetarian outlet in this Indian city

The outlets serving non-vegetarian food are present outside the 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg, the official said.

Singh noted that US-based Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is also allowed to open an outlet in the city if it is ready to serve only an 'all-veg' menu. If this happens, then it will be the second-only vegetarian outlet of KFC.

“KFC has set up its unit at Ayodhya-Lucknow highway because we do not allow non-vegetarian food items here. We are ready to provide even KFC a space if it decides to sell only vegetarian items,” Singh added.

On January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the ‘pran-pratishtha’ or consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla idol in the newly built Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. During his visit, he also interacted with the 'shramjeevi', who contributed to the construction of the grand temple.

Meanwhile, the prohibition on non-vegetarian food in Ayodhya is not unique. The holy city of Haridwar has also enforced a similar ban within city limits. The KFC outlet is located outside the city on the Haridwar-Roorkee highway.

The type of tourists that visit Ayodhya has significantly changed, said Sharad Kapoor, President of Faizabad Hotel Association (FHA).

After the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya witnessed people coming from neighbouring districts to have darshan during the initial days, but now visitors from other parts of the state are also visiting the temple town.

“As these people are coming from different parts of the country, they are well conversant with pizzas and burgers. Therefore, the food chain outlets famous for pizzas and burgers are making a beeline to set up their shops in Ayodhya now,” Moneycontrol quoted Kapoor as saying.

As per the state government estimates, Ayodhya is likely to witness as many as 10-12 lakh visitors every week till Ram Navami on April 17.