Delhi’s Shyam Rasoi serves full thali for Re 1, feeds over 1000 daily

Could you ever have imagined someone selling a complete thali for just Re 1? Well, you need to visit Nangloi’s Shyam Rasoi between 11 am and 1 pm. See it to believe it. 

You dont have to be poor to have this thali. It is for everyone and people from all walks of life come here for a meal. 

51-year-old Pravin Goyal, who runs the kitchen, says, “around 800-1000 people come here everyday for lunch. Whatever food is left, we serve it in the nearby blind school, leprosy home and old age home. In the morning, we serve tea and bread too at nominal cost.”

   

“Everyone feeds the hungry but here we want their souls to get contented. We serve them healthy and delicious food... one that they can not afford in routine life. We serve them 3-4 curries, dessert, chapati and rice in every meal. Today’s menu has palak paneer, pindi chhole, Punjabi kadi, mixed veg, biryani, paratha and gajar ka halwa. The menu changes everyday. Their happiness and blessings mean a lot to me and motivate me to do a lot more for them. ”

On being asked about how he manages all the expenses, Pravin said, “I am not paying anything from my pocket. I receive vegetables from farmers and others. People donate ration and money too. There is so much love and support coming from people.”

   

Pravin is assisted by some paid workers as well as volunteers. 

He took this initiative two years ago when he priced thali at Rs 10. However, after Covid outbreak, he reduced the price to Re 1 so that no one goes hungry.

The thali is priced at Re 1 but if someone can't pay, they are still served the full meal without discrimination.

Soni, 9, has been eating at Shyam Rasoi for four weeks. The smile on her face reflects how full and happy she is. 

“When I have money, I pay else I don't. Uncle doesn't ask me to pay. He even packs food for my family for free. They serve palak paneer, shahi paneer, aloo paratha, gobi paratha, pakode, etc. I am so glad that they are now serving carrot pudding too. Had this kitchen not been there, we could have died of hunger.”

The tea in my hand is sponsored by Shyam Rasoi