Shalon Mess

Shalon Mess is located at No:548 on D Cross in the Annaiah Reddy Layout of Banaswadi. We are right by the Andra Bank and the Banasavadi Bus Stop, which makes it a very convenient spot for people jumping off the bus. The mess is a simple room where we have some tables and the kitchen area right at the back. It’s not the quietest place because of the buses constantly stopping and starting outside, but we like the energy of the area. We start cooking early so that the food is ready for the morning and lunch crowds. There’s no menu printed on glossy paper, just whatever we’ve prepared for the day. We spend a lot of time scrubbing the floors and keeping the benches wiped down because people are coming in and out all the time. The kitchen is small, so we have to be very careful with how we move around each other when the stoves are hot. It’s a very hands-on job, from buying the groceries at the local market to serving the plates or packing the parcels. We don't have any hidden agendas or big plans; we just want to make sure the food tastes like it was made at home. It’s a humble place where the focus is strictly on the cooking and cleaning. We've been here for years and the routine hasn't changed much at all for us as a small team.