Sant Kabir Nagar is an important district of eastern Uttar Pradesh associated with the memories of the great saint Kabir Das. The district is known for weaving, agriculture, and the Samadhi of Sant Kabir Das located at Maghar. Under the One District One Cuisine Programme, Khoya Aadharit Mithai, Samosa, and Peda have been selected for Sant Kabir Nagar district.
Samosa is an extremely popular street food in Sant Kabir Nagar. As an affordable product, it provides significant opportunities for self-employment with relatively low investment. Hot Samosas filled with a spicy potato mixture and served with chutney are particularly popular in Khalilabad and Mehdawal. More than 6,000 people are employed across over 200 units engaged in this industry.
Sant Kabir Nagar’s Peda is a traditional milk-based sweet. It is prepared by cooking khoya with sugar over low heat, giving it a dense and soft texture. Desi ghee, along with aromatic ingredients such as cardamom or saffron, is added to enhance its flavour and aroma. Known for its dense texture, mild sweetness, and rich milky taste, this Peda is a popular local sweet of Sant Kabir Nagar.
Among Sant Kabir Nagar’s traditional khoa-based sweets, Khoya Peda and Kalakand are particularly popular. Prepared from pure-milk khoa in Khalilabad and surrounding areas, these sweets are known for their local taste and quality. They are also described as energy-rich because they contain protein, calcium, and fat.