On May 19, Rukmani Lakshmipathi Road — known for hosting political meetings and having a heavy police presence — witnessed a mild traffic jam, mid-day.
Several motorists and passersby casually passed it off as another political event till their eyes fell on a gathering at the Annamalai University Study Centre in Egmore.
It was a food truck, with Hotel Sowmiya Inn - Ezhil Food Court emblazoned on the vehicle.
Inspired by the meals-on-wheels concept popular in Bengaluru, C.S. Veeramani, proprietor of Hotel Sowmiya Inn, is trying it out in Chennai.
Rice items dominate the pocket-sized menu: sambar rice, tomato rice, curd rice, vegetable biriyani and pulav, all available at ₹30 each. Meals are also served at ₹50.
“Since the last few weeks, there has been a huge demand for vegetable biryani and meals among customers,” notes Veeramani, adding that he chose Annamalai University Study Centre for a reason.
“I had learnt that the study centre does not have a canteen. So, I bought a space inside the study centre to start a cafeteria. The work is under way,” he says, adding, “The food truck will however continue on the premises for other customers.”
Currently, the food items available at the truck are prepared at his restaurant in Thoraipakkam.
“I am in the process of setting up a kitchen inside the truck to help chefs cook food on order and serve it fresh,” he says.
Being the president of the Tamil Nadu Catering and Canteen Service Industrial Co-Op. Society Ltd (a recently formed body), Veeramani is quite finicky about the oil he uses to cook.
“Several hotels and fast food joints re-use the oils and add food chemicals. I am particular about the ingredients that go into our food. In fact, in three to five years, I plan to replace all roadside eateries with food trucks with the help of other members in the Co-Op. society,” he says.
If the food truck restaurant clicks, Veeramani plans to set up more trucks across the city, in Koyembedu, Taramani, Guindy, Thoraipakkam, Marina beach and Elliot's beach.
