Biryani makes its way to Anganwadi menu across Kerala

Kozhikode: It was a special day at the West Hill Bhatt Road Karuna Anganwadi as children were treated to biryani on Tuesday, following the revised Anganwadi food menu introduced across the state. The sight was heartwarming, little Tanu picked up the boiled egg from her biryani plate, turned to Apoorva, and said with delight, “Look at this… didn’t you get one?” On seeing this, young Vaidik shyly admitted, “I like it too,” before turning red with embarrassment. The children ate happily, enjoying every bite of the biryani.

Meanwhile, Arush, sitting nearby, had a different opinion. With a little frown, he said, “I don’t like biryani.” But for most of the children, the reaction was unanimous: “Biryani is super!” Teachers, including Sujatha, and helper Swapna were busy assisting the little ones with their meals.

The new menu has been carefully designed to provide nutritious, balanced food. Along with biryani, children are also served ragi laddoos, wheat payasam, idiyappam, idlis, kozhukatta, and upma on different days. Dishes like kadala curry, sambar, and egg curry are also part of the menu. The meals are prepared with measured portions of grains and vegetables, with closely monitored calories, protein, and sugar levels.

To ensure quality, Anganwadi employees received training at the Institute of Hospitality Management in Vellayil. The inclusion of biryani in the official menu came after a video of a three-year-old requesting “Birnani”(biriyani) went viral, prompting the government to respond. On Tuesday, all Anganwadis across Kerala joined in serving the biryani.