Javed Shah
The Srinagar city is trying to keep pace with other parts of India and the introduction of mid day meals to the various offices and business establishments resembles the start of metropolitan culture of Mumbai. The service of mid day meals is fast becoming popular among kashmiris because of the quality and affordable rates.
A young educated businessman, Ishtiyaq Latto, introduced the concept of providing mid day meals in Srinagar. He was impressed by the famous Daba wallas of Mumbai during his stay. Since, the introduction of the service some seven months back, the number of clients has risen to 450 including bankers, media persons, lawyers and businessmen.
Ishtiyaq, started this venture under SSI with the financial support of the financial institutions is satisfied with the growing response of the general public particularly from the literate working classes. He has established his unit in Rangreth, industrial estate where 6 trained workers prepare food daily.
The food includes both vegetarian and non vegetarian, and there are six different dishes served during the week. “We provide non veg for three days and veg three days. Our priority is hygienic and health friendly food for our clients.” Said Ishtiyaq.
The menu includes mutton biryani for Monday, egg curry for Tuesday, vegetable pulao Wednesday, Thursday cheese and Friday and Saturday Rajma and vegetables. Cheap and affordable rates are attracting new clients besides the health friendly preparations which suit everybody. “We prepare food which is oil free spices free and having less salt so that persons having common ailments like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other ailments can easily take our food.” Said Ishtiyaq.
“I am a regular client of mid day service. Since, the day one I liked the food preparations and the important thing is its cheap rates.” Said Altaf Mir,Internet news provider.
Bank employees constitute main client base for the mid day meal service. Almost 400 bank employees are the subscribers of this new service. “I started taking my lunch only because of the tasty and nutritious food of the service before I used to skip my meals during day time.” Said Shafat Patloo,bank employee.
The delivery and distribution system of the service also adds its utility. Food is provided to the doorsteps of the clients and is served between 12 to 1.30pm by the service van.
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