Joint in India offering lunch for one rupee

Roti Ghar in Kanchgar Galli, Hubballi, serves a north-Karnataka-style thali for one rupee. The canteen is open only between noon and 3 pm, and its customers come from all walks of life — street vendors, daily-wage earners, and office-goers alike.

One rupee won't buy even a candy. But at Roti Ghar it buys a full thali: rice, dal, vegetables, and a sweet. The canteen has kept the quality and taste intact because profit is not the motive.

The Mahaveer Youth Federation set up Roti Ghar five years ago with one aim: to eradicate hunger. There is no cashier at this canteen. "We don't take the money by hand," says president Tejraj Jain. "We have put a box where customers put in Re 1." Three volunteers — Basavaraj Menasinakai, Gauramma Totageri, and Savitramma — serve the meals.

The formula is simple: low price, good food, and dignity for everyone who walks in.