IdlyGo began with the aim to feed the common man a fresh, healthy and nutritious meal at affordable prices. Easy, simple and wholesome food is being lost in the ocean of processed foods and high-end eateries. This inspired Anup Kanodia, who conceived IdlyGo, with a mission to address hunger and malnutrition and also to focus on those who would need to grab a quick meal on the go.
“The idea came to me in July last year when a piece of news on Global Hunger Index hit me. According to the data, India ranked 101 out 116 countries, which meant India was closer to Somalia and Afghanistan. Development seemed a farce and then it struck why not do something to address hunger and malnutrition. And that’s how the idea of IdlyGo was born,” says Anup.
Even though the machines are capable of producing 20,000 idlis, currently IdlyGo is churning out 6,000. It has partnered with 24 vendors who are strategically selling it in the area. Anup is gearing up to expand the business, with plans to make IdlyGo accessible in Kidderpore, Entally, and other neighboring areas soon.
Mr Anup Kanodia said, “In a world where easy, simple and nutritious food seems to be drowned in the sea of processed food options, IdlyGo emerges as a beacon of hope for those seeking a quick, wholesome meal on the go. Inspired by the need to reclaim the essence of traditional, nutritious food, IdlyGo embarked on a mission to provide a solution that resonated with the masses. Recognizing the nutritional value and convenience of idlys—steamed, light, and wholesome—IdlyGo introduced a menu centred around this South Indian staple. With two idlys served alongside fresh coconut chutney, IdlyGo crafted a filling meal that not only satisfied hunger but also catered to dietary needs.”
Born out of necessity during the COVID pandemic, Idlygo has now blossomed into seven outlets spread across every corner of the city. “We started with cycle vending of two idlis at Rs.15 around Dalhousie area in Kolkata in Feb 2022. We launched our first brick and mortar cafe at Girish Park, Kolkata in March 2023. In less than a year we have expanded to seven outlets across the city,” added Mr Kanodia.
Idlygo has made its mark in seven prominent spots across the city: Girish Park (opposite Haryana Bhavan), Dhakuria (near AMRI Hospital), Salt Lake Sec V (near Decathlon), Shakespeare Sarani (near Chhapan Bhog), RN Mukherjee Road (near Old Mission Church), Howrah (Hotel Saket Near Howrah Bridge), and Park Circus (Near Don Bosco School).
From starting with just serving idlis, Idlygo now boasts a menu comprising around 100 items. The menu is divided into Best Sellers, Chef’s Special, Must Try, Recommended, and New categories, offering a variety of beverages, vadas, dosas, uttapams, various rice preparations, desserts, chutneys, beverages, and ice creams.
Idlygo sets itself apart with five unique selling points: Healthy, Hygienic, Fresh, Quality, and Affordable.
One of the brand’s most significant commitments is the “Gift a Meal” initiative, where free food is distributed near hospitals, orphanages, slum areas, old age homes, and other vulnerable communities. Additionally, anyone can purchase meal hampers to gift to the underprivileged. The brand also prioritizes inclusivity by employing speech and hearing-impaired individuals across its kitchen, cafes, and cycle vending operations.
Future plans for Idlygo include opening 25 IdlyGo Xpress outlets in Kolkata and Howrah within the next 6 months, launching IdlyGo Canteens inside educational institutions, hospitals, and large corporate and factory settings, and rolling out IdlyGo food carts very soon.
