Parliament canteen rolls out curated ‘health menu’

In a wellness initiative taken up by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, the Parliament canteen is set to roll out a “health menu” ranging from ragi millet idli to fibre-rich salads and protein-packed soups.

The revamped culinary offerings include delicious curries and elaborate ‘thalis’. Also on offer are millet-based meals, fibre-rich salads and protein-packed soups, as part of a broader effort to support a healthy diet, senior officials said.

The menu includes jowar upma, moong dal chilla and grilled fish with vegetables.

Tradition with nutrition

Each dish in this special menu that blends tradition with nutrition to promote healthier lifestyles in the corridors of power has been carefully crafted to be low in carbohydrates, sodium, and calories while remaining high in essential nutrients. Besides, the health menu has the number of calories mentioned against the names of the dishes.

Millets thrust into the national spotlight during the UN-declared International Year of Millets in 2023, take the centrestage in the menu, including ragi millet idli with sambhar and chutney (270 kcal), jowar upma (206 kcal) and a sugar-free mix millet kheer (161 kcal).

Popular Indian staples like chana chaat and moong dal chilla also feature prominently.

There is also an array of non-vegetarian meals with lean options like grilled chicken with boiled vegetables (157 kcal) and grilled fish (378 kcal) on offer.

The beverages menu include green and herbal teas, masala sattu and jaggery-flavoured mango panna replacing sugar-laden sodas and traditional sweets.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, stressed on the need for nationwide awareness and collective action to combat obesity.

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is set to commence on July 21.