Authentic Lucknowi taste at airport soon

LUCKNOW: Typical Awadhi food, including a large variety of kebabs, warqi parathas, naharikulcha, korma, sheermal, zarda, kulfi, khasta and mouthwatering chaat will soon be available at airport stalls here. The Airports Authority of India is in process of finalising tenders for stalls inside Chaudhary Charan Singh airport.

The idea for the local food stalls was mooted last year but it took some time to motivate local brands to set up their stalls at the airport. The delay was caused because AAI was in a dilemma whether or not to allow country ovens or gas stoves inside the terminal building. The AAI wanted the stalls to use microwave or electric cookers, or to cook the food outside the terminal and then cater it inside, to which the local giants did not agree. But now the problem seems to have been solved.

According to officials of the Airport Authority of India, Lucknow airport would present a true taste of the city on its premises. “For the first time, food would be used to showcase the city’s culture and promote tourism.”

People from all over the world talk about the city’s food but now they would also talk about the great hospitality provided by the airport staff, as the Airport Authority of India has decided to set up a ‘May I help You’ desk inside the terminal. This spe- cial desk would help first time travellers, women and senior citizens with their problems.

Officiating director AK Awasthi, (the director SC Hota is outside India for a week-long training) said, “First time travellers often face a lot of problems in checking in, reaching planes or getting their luggage checked. Sometimes they are not comfortable with the attitude of the airline staff. In such cases, our men would help them.”

The staff of the desk would wear special jackets and be available inside the terminal 24X7.

They would help anyone sick or having problems in walking, checking in, ticketing, luggage carrying or else requiring food and water.