The remarkable story of a Vizag woman who sells one idli for two rupees

Many of you must have heard about the famous Amma canteen in Chennai. Here, a plate of Sambhar Rice costs Rs 5 whereas idli costs Rs 1 along with other tiffin items. Even though we might not have an Amma Canteen in our city right now, there’s a lady in Seethampeta, Vizag who sells one idli for Rs 2. In an age where one plate consisting of 2 idlis generally costs around Rs 30- Rs 40, you can buy one plate of idli consisting 5 idlis, for just Rs 10. Also, the idlis are prepared at home and are top-notch in taste. Now, how cool is that?

About the woman

Mrs. Satyavati has been serving these delicious idlis for the past eleven years. Her husband had worked at several places but couldn’t manage a decent income. They even had a pan shop which helped them earn a decent amount for some time. But unfortunately, due to some personal reasons, it had to be shut down. After a few years, her husband passed away due to illness and the onus of earning money was taken over by Satyavati. She worked hard to support her three children and eventually, even built a house. She has repaid a debt of 10 lakhs with whatever little earnings she had managed. Even today, apart from selling idlis, she even sells flowers and does some tailoring work to maximize her income.

Even though not well educated, Satyavati didn’t bog down to the challenges posed by life. She has successfully raised her three children without her husband and is still an independent woman at the age of 65. She is a true testimony to the fact that no matter how dark life can be, there’s always a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel if one’s willing to strive ahead.

Satyavati is confident that she can do any business and is thankful to God for whatever she’s able to manage.

The Tiffin Business

The idlis are amazingly well prepared. Unlike the big-sized restaurant idlis, these are prepared in the size we generally prepare at home. They taste fresh and the coconut chutney served along with it has a lovely spicy flavor to it. These will surely win you over and the fact that these are made available for just Rs 2 a piece is something that makes them truly special.

Satyavati sells dosas as well along with the idlis. Her daughter-in-law lends a helping hand in preparing and selling these items. She has a daily customer base of around 40-50 who flock in front of her house from 6 to 11 in the morning tiffin hours. When asked about her profits per day, she says the margins are just about enough to meet their daily needs.

Over the last decade, Satyavati has garnered many fans for her idlis in the locality. She has many loyal customers who have been relishing her tiffins since many years. On customer demand, she even prepares Pooris on Saturday evenings.

The tiffin items can only be parceled to home as there’s no facility for one to have them then and there. Also, the customers need to carry their own utensils to get the items packed.

She lives in Seethampeta opposite Durga Ganapati temple and can be contacted on 9948517288. Do give it a try!