Food prices in Ooty soar, locals to be worst hit

After complaints pour in on the increasing rates of food items during the tourist season, Ooty Hotel Owners Association has displayed the list of prices for the benefit of tourists stating that it is fair and genuine.

According to the new price list, there is a five to ten rupee difference in several food items depending on the standard and value addition of the hotels. While a meal costs Rs 50 to Rs 60, a set of idly is sold at Rs 18 to Rs 20.   Similarly, a masala roast or onion roast costs Rs 40 to Rs 45 each and ordinary roast is sold at Rs 35. Vada is available for Rs 15 and dosa for Rs 20. 

The price of Pongal, Kitchadi and Uppuma ranges between Rs 30 to Rs 35 each. A single chappati and parotta costs Rs 20 each. A poori set is sold at Rs 35 while tea and coffee are priced at `10 and `15 respectively.

According to the association, these prices in hotels are fair and genuine as they serve quality food to the tourists. The association is committed to lure more tourists by ensuring quality food at reasonable price in the present market scenario.  A cross section of hotel managers said  “The price of a meal remains steady at Rs 50 to Rs 60 this summer. Last summer, a meal was sold at Rs 40 to Rs 45. The meal price was gradually increased and now it ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 60. The major reason for the increase in price is that the cost of the branded rice has increased from Rs 950 to Rs 1,400 in the last one year.”

For those who prefer to eat non-vegetarian food have to shell out more money due to increasing price of chicken in the market. A chicken biriyani is priced at Rs 90 to Rs 140, depending upon the hotel. 

Thirumurthy, a private shop employee, said “More than Rs 100 is required to have a decent lunch. If a family of five enters hotels, they have to spent Rs 1,000. The increase in price won’t affect the tourists, but it will hit the local residents, mainly office-goers. Hence, the local people prefer to eat bun and bread and take tea from bakeries.”

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