Roadside eateries in Chennai and suburban regions would soon spot new looks and ambience thanks to an initiative being launched by the Tamil Nadu Government in collaboration with celebrity chef K Damodaran.
There are no official statistics about eateries in the city, especially those operating from footpaths, walkways and public places. These “restaurants” patronised by the working classes and migrant workers were epicentres of all kinds of contagious diseases because of poor hygiene and sanitation.
“Big money could be made out of eatery business as institutional expenses are nil compared to graded restaurants and hotels. A slight tinkering here and a small rearrangement there would make these establishments real money spinners,” K Damodaran told The Pioneer.
Damodaran , who was recently elected as the president of the South India Chef Association (SICA) said he has submitted a comprehensive plan to the State government to help the eateries to emerge as spot new looks and making the customers happy. “Most of these eateries are run by people without any educational qualification or professional experience. But most of them are good in preparing tasty food. All we have to do is to convince them about maintaining hygiene while cooking and serving the dishes. We will make them understand the importance of sanitation, neatness and hygiene which could be executed without major expenses,” explained Damodaran.
He pointed out that the kind of water they use and the vessels in which they serve the foods and how it was served are points the SICA would give emphasis. “The training sessions would be held by Government agencies which will take the initiative in inviting the people manning these eateries. Since the proprietors of these eating places stand to gain in the long run we are confident that they would join this scheme,” said Damodaran.
The aim is to convert the road side eating places to that of global level. “What makes the eateries in Tamil Nadu look weak compared to other places is the poor hygiene and sanitation associated with them. Most of the people owning these temporary hotels do not know the financial potential of these ventures . Some of the eateries in Marina Beach and T Nagar are money spinners which generate thousands of rupees as profit after a night’s sale,” said an auditor who helps the owners to manage their money.
So, next time when you come to Chennai , be prepared to eat in different kind of roadside eateries which would be neat, clean and hygienic.