Lucknow’s Mughlai dishes quality affected by soaring onion prices

LUCKNOW - Soaring prices of onion have affected the famous Mughlai cuisine in Lucknow.

Restaurant owners complain that they have to compromise on the quality of food due to the steep hike in onion prices.

“In non-vegetarian dishes, a lot of onions are used, and the customers who come here are sometimes eat kababs, rotis or paranthas, so we serve them onions in the salad. Therefore, onions are necessary for these Mughlai dishes and non-vegetarian items,” said Mohammed Ashfaq, a hotel manager.

“So, we want the public to appeal to the government to take steps to control the prices and bring it down,” he added.

Shameel Shamsi, a restaurant owner, said the prices have affected the quality of food served to the customers.

“The price of onions in wholesale markets that we used to buy was from rupees 10 to 12 per kilogram. Onions are now priced at 50 to 60 rupees per kilogram. So, if there has been an increase of five times, then it is natural that even if we try we will have to compromise by 50 percent on the quality,” he said.

Customers have also complained that the taste of food has changed.

“There has been some change in the taste of the dish. The dishes have become expensive. The typical Lucknow food like kabab, mutton dishes and other such dishes will either be out of reach, people won’t be able to eat, or will eat but the dish would not have the same taste,” said Chetan Singh.

A week ago, onions were being sold between Rupees 30 and 45 per kilogram in retail markets. By Kamna Mathur (ANI)