Kerala's first railway coach restaurant opens in Payyanur: Here's what it offers

Kerala's Payyanur has opened the state's first railway coach restaurant, named Juju Express, in its premises today (September 17, Thursday).  The unique dining spot, located near the station's platform number 1, will function from 5 am to 2 am the next day, and in the future, remain open round the clock. It has 48 indoor seats, along with a few other seats on the platform and outdoors. The restaurant also has a pickup counter, a live kitchen and a washroom. 

A budget-friendly culinary journey
What sets Juju Express apart from standard restaurants is its attractive pricing strategy. The operators have revealed that the food will be served at railway-approved rates, which are roughly 30 per cent cheaper than their mother restaurant, Juju International in Kannur. The extensive menu boasts over 90 items, starting from a comforting traditional fish curry meals priced at just ₹60 to the premium Juju special creamy alfahm at ₹580.

Whether you are craving local Malabar delicacies, popular North Indian specialities, or Chinese dishes, the diner has something to satisfy every palate. Breakfast service offers hot idlis, vadas, and dosas to early-morning commuters and travellers.

From a train coach to a cosy diner
The restaurant has been cleverly fashioned out of a decommissioned three-tier AC coach brought in from Mangaluru. This coach has been mounted on a specially constructed track along Ramanthali Road. A similar restaurant will soon open in Palakkad and other districts, too.