Ghee rice-chicken curry for Rs 30; What is so special with Basheerkka's Bhakshanashala?

KOZHIKODE: Domestic cylinder prices are skyrocketing. The situation is so dire that even money won't necessarily help you get cooking gas. Firewood is equally expensive. Despite this, 'Basheerikka’s Bhakshanashala' in Kozhikode, offers ghee rice and chicken curry for a modest Rs. 30. If you want rice and fish curry, you can get that too for the same price. Fried chicken costs Rs. 40.

The 62-year-old Basheer has been preparing lunch for 700 people a day for the past eight years. He works all week without any rest.

Basheerkka's shop is located at P.V. House in Mukhadhar, Kozhikode Beach Road.

“ It is not something I do for profit. I need money to live while I also help people fill their stomachs. They should not have any complaints..." Basheerkka's food theory is different.

Tea and snacks start in the morning. Ghee rice and normal rice begin from 1:30 p.m. Kayama rice, which costs Rs. 72 per kilo, is used to prepare Ghee rice.

When enquired about his secret behind surviving these difficult times, Basheer said, "God has told me to feed those who are hungry. My wife, Ramlath, and I are the only ones at home. Why do we need so much money to live? Since we are in the city, the rent is high. Even if we pay wages to our staff, we are getting enough for ourselves. The price of gas and the shortage are all problems. But I won’t let people coming here leave the place hungry..."

Basheer dons the role of an all-rounder at the restaurant. He is everywhere. To prepare, to fry, to serve, and even to clean the tables. Even though he has five people to help, including his son Anas, he insists on doing chores all by himself. It gives him satisfaction.