In a country where airport food often means high prices, the launch of Udaan Yatri Café at Kolkata Airport has been a breath of fresh air. With affordable meals and beverages, the café quickly became popular, attracting up to 900 daily visitors. However, while the café’s pricing has been praised, growing concerns about food quality have emerged.
A Game-Changer for Budget Travellers
The Udaan Yatri Café, part of the Udaan (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) initiative, has transformed the airport dining experience. It offers snacks like tea for ₹10, samosas at ₹20, and other affordable options. This stands in stark contrast to the inflated prices commonly found at most airports. The café aims to provide an inclusive dining experience for all passengers, regardless of budget, making it a lifeline for those who previously had to pay premium prices for basic meals at airports.
Since opening, the café has become popular among budget-conscious travellers, particularly those looking to save before their flights. With an impressive daily footfall of 900, the café’s low prices have proven highly appealing. It also provides a relaxed space for passengers to enjoy their meals.
Affordable Dining: A Growing Trend
While the Udaan Yatri Café is not the first affordable airport food initiative, it is the first to establish a permanent space for budget-conscious passengers. The café is part of a larger movement to make air travel more inclusive, with the Udaan initiative aimed at making flying more affordable for all.
For many passengers, Udaan Yatri Café offers a much-needed alternative. In a country where airport food can sometimes cost more than meals outside, the café offers simple, affordable options like tea, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks at a fraction of typical airport food court prices.
The Food Quality Controversy
Despite the praise for its affordability, the café has faced several complaints about the quality of food. Some travellers have voiced dissatisfaction with the freshness and taste of items. There have been reports of stale food and inconsistent quality, with some customers expressing disappointment over the lack of variety in the menu.
While the café focuses on providing inexpensive meals, many customers feel there should be more options available. Some argue that while the café is a welcome budget-friendly alternative, the food quality doesn’t meet expectations for even low-cost meals.
In response to these concerns, some believe the café’s food quality should improve as it grows. To thrive in the long run, Udaan Yatri Café will need to balance both affordability and quality.
What is Udaan Yatri Café?
Udaan Yatri Café was born out of the vision to make airport food accessible and affordable, particularly for passengers flying with budget airlines or on limited budgets. As part of the Udaan initiative, the café offers basic meals, snacks, and drinks at prices far below typical airport prices, with items like ₹10 tea, ₹20 samosas, and sandwiches.
Located at Kolkata Airport, the café has been embraced for its low prices and focus on catering to everyday travellers. Unlike high-end restaurants that serve premium-priced meals, Udaan Yatri Café serves simple, popular food items that appeal to all kinds of passengers. Many have found it to be an ideal spot for a quick, affordable snack before a flight.
While the café’s pricing structure is popular, food quality has raised questions. Some feel the café’s offerings don’t always meet the standard expected, even for budget-friendly options. Despite this, the café has quickly developed a loyal following.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Udaan Yatri Café
Udaan Yatri Café has revolutionised affordable dining at airports, but it faces challenges in terms of food quality. As the café grows in popularity, it will need to respond to customer feedback and improve its offerings. The concept has tapped into a niche market for budget airport dining, and many are hopeful it will expand to other airports across the country.
The café’s ability to improve food quality without raising prices will be crucial to its success. Its impact on the dining culture at airports is undeniable, and it has set a precedent for more affordable options in an industry where high prices have long been criticised.
As Udaan Yatri Café continues to attract both praise and criticism, it remains to be seen whether it can strike the balance between affordability and quality that travellers hope for.
