“Sorry, Meals Only.” The huge signboard may not only stop passers-by but also tempt them to taste the mid-day meal served on plantain leaves by Kudumbasree members near Government Guest House on the National Highway 966 (formerly NH 213) here.
Although it looks like any other place serving home-made lunch, it has occupied a permanent place in the minds of people here by offering fresh, tasty, and hygienic meals. This joint has a secret that hardly anyone knows.
‘New concept’
‘Sorry, Meals Only’ is the first community kitchen available for people here. “It’s a new concept. No one in my knowledge has tried it out before,” said K.P. Haiderali, former municipal councillor, who launched the restaurant about a month ago.
Mr. Haiderali is determined to serve meals in their authentic taste and form, prepared by different families at their homes.
The idea has tickled the palettes of many visitors. Several government officials and politicians, including MLAs, have tasted the food here. P. Ubaidulla, MLA, who is a regular visitor, has been all praise for the joint. So has been Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Satyan Mokeri.
“We are also making good food available for an affordable price,” said P. Devayani, senior member of the group. While a meal with fish fry is available for ₹60-70 it costs only ₹30 without the fish. People eat their lunch in the open, enjoying the breeze and a full view of the curving highway.
“This view is a value-addition to this special meal,” said Mohammed Mustafa, a government employee.
Mr. Haiderali has plans to expand his ethnic food outlet. He said he would soon open a similar restaurant at Warangode near here and another, a little away from the town.
“Families that cook food will also benefit from it. We will carry the food items in a vehicle to the restaurants,” he said.
