BENGALURU: While Indira Canteens have been witnessing long queues in most of the areas ever since their launch, the lone Appaji Canteen in South Bengaluru, started by JD(S) MLC T A Saravana, is already a big hit with over 1,000 people relishing the south Karnataka fare at subsidised prices every day. The Appaji Canteen, named after former PM H D Deve Gowda, is located in Srinagar.
When this newspaper visited both the canteens in Hanumanthanagar ward, most of the people said that food provided at Appaji Canteen was tastier and healthier.
Small queues and more quantity of food served in each plate also attract many to Appaji Canteen. Ragi mudde and thatte idli are the favourites here. For officegoers and school students, who are not so fussy about taste and want to eat at a lower cost, visiting Indira Canteen is the best bet.
Staff at this canteen also do not mind giving food parcels, if the customers are in hurry. “Many times, students come here to have their breakfast and ask us to parcel food for lunch,” said Nagesh, an employee Indira canteen. On the other hand, Appaji Canteen staff are now strict with no-parcel rule.
Meanwhile, with thousands flocking the Appaji and Indira Canteens, hotels nearby are feeling the heat.
Canteen Vs Canteen
Since the lauch of Indira Canteen, the politics over the canteen project is a hot topic of discussion among those who come to have food at Appaji Canteen. From politics over canteens to comparison of menus and the price list—everything is discussed over a meal.
‘Good Quality Food’
As early as 7 am every morning, 30 minutes before the Appaji Canteen opens, a long line of people can be seen in Srinagar. The canteen is open between 7.30 am and 9.30 am for breakfast and again between 1pm and 3pm for lunch. Rajesh, an auto driver said, “The quality of food is very good, but only that we have to stand in queue and wait for our turn. Prices are really affordable.”