Indira canteens in Dakshina Kannada have seen significant improvements and expansion in their services, providing affordable meals to residents under the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) and nearby areas. As of now, five canteens operate under MCC, along with one each in Ullal, Sullia, Bantwal, and Puttur. A central master kitchen, located in Urwa Stores, Mangaluru, supplies food to these canteens. The new contractor, Cheftalk Food and Hospitality Pvt Ltd, led by Govinda Poojary, took over operations from August 1 with a revised menu featuring local delicacies.
The costs are shared between local city administrations (70%) and the labour department (30%), ensuring sustainability. Breakfast, served from 7:30 am to 10 am, includes dishes like Idli, Pundi Gassi, Buns, Neeru Dose, Shavige, Hesaru Avalakki, and Kadle Avalakki, all priced at Rs 5. Lunch and dinner, priced at Rs 10, consist of boiled rice, vegetables, sambar, and payasam. Chapatis with vegetables and payasam are served on alternate days, while gruel with vegetables or curd is offered twice a week.
The canteens currently serve 500 breakfast packets and 3,000 lunch and dinner packets daily. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the canteens remained operational but did not strictly follow the menu. However, the revised menu has received positive feedback, with the public appreciating the consistent quality and affordability. Locals have even started contributing supplies like vegetables at discounted rates. Health officials from MCC regularly inspect the canteens, ensuring food safety standards.
Plans are underway to open 10 new Indira canteens in Dakshina Kannada, with four nearing completion.
Read More: