Emulating the model of ‘Tihar Food Court’ run by the inmates of Tihar Jail in New Delhi, a new cafeteria, serving lip-smacking delicacies prepared by prisoners, is opened here in Thiruvananthapuram for foodies.
An array of delicacies, ranging from chapati, idly and biriyani to chicken and vegetable curries prepared by inmates of Poojappura Central Prison, are available at the newly opened cafeteria-cum-takeaway counter. The low cost but quality-rich chapati-chicken curry combo, dished out by the prisoners here, is already a hit in the market.
Located adjacent to the prison, the ‘Food For Freedom Cafe’ is set up as part of the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services Department’s ambitious rehabilitation programme for inmates.
The facility, which is opened from 6 am to 9 pm, can accommodate up to 15-17 persons at a time. Manned by three prison staff and four daily wage labourers, the cafeteria will have facilities including air-condition, mobile charging points and vehicle parking area.
Poojappura Central Jail Superintendent A.G Suresh said more than 15 specially trained inmates are preparing delicacies for the cafeteria.
“The cafeteria-cum-takeaway is built at a cost of around Rs 30 lakh. After evaluating its success, we have plans to expand it further,” he told. While many hotels charge five rupees to eight rupees per chapati, it will be available for just Rs 2 per piece at the new cafeteria, he said.
If the chicken biriyani costs Rs 110-120 in ordinary hotels, the ‘jail biriyani’ will be available for just Rs 60. Chicken curry is priced at Rs 20 per packet while chilly chicken is priced at Rs 40.
A special herbal gooseberry juice prepared by prisoners is in good demand in cafeteria. Besides this, tea, coffee, variety of ice creams and soft drinks will also be available there.
