A canteen supplying herbal food products was opened on the premises of Ripon Buildings on Wednesday.
The facility is open to all and serves the usual ‘tiffin’ items and more — but with a herbal touch.
On Wednesday, the day of its opening, the canteen witnessed a scramble for food tokens in the morning and during lunch time. All items, from herbal idli to sweets, are sold at a nominal rate. The herbal lunch which includes rice is priced at Rs. 15.
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The civic body shut the old canteen on the same premises following a recommendation from the health department a few months ago. According to an official, the old canteen, spread over 1,500 sq. ft., was closed six months ago as it was found “unsuitable for eating or preparation of food.”
Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy, who inspected the canteen and ordered its closure in May to prevent health hazards, has been instrumental in shaping the new canteen as a herbal eatery.