Future Of Street Food In Chandigarh: From The Perspective Of Street Food Vendors And The Challenges Faced By Them

Abstract

Background: Chandigarh is a tri-city and there are many communities that are coming here  for various purposes that can be good education and other economical aspects. Accordingly  the demands are diverse. The city was made by joining few villages from surrounding areas,  which resulted in urbanisation and with increase in urban population and culture the demand  of street food has increased. Street foods are so diverse that they cannever be covered in  one single article. Street food is the real replica of authentic food practices in the country or  specific part of the country. The street food of North India is somewhat like its people, loud,  big and warming. The one food that every North Indian love to eat is “Chaat” one of some  mouth-watering dishes like TikkiChaat, Gol-Gappa and Pav Bhaji! And like the rest of India,  Chandigarh too has its fair share of street food places that one can explore. The best part  about the street food is the way it’s made by experimenting with authentic dishes. By keeping  a few things in mind such as hygiene and safety, anyone can enjoy the authentic Indian street  food without suffering from any food related diseases later. Street Vendors in Chandigarh  face many problems as they are vulnerable population. Objective: The present study is aimed  to observe the personal and environmental hygiene of the vendors and its surrounding that  leads to sustainability of Street food in Chandigarh for its growth. Methodology: A quantative  research was done on the basis of random sampling of the street vendors of Chandigarh. The  research was conducted through questionnaire in the street food hubs of Chandigarh which was  later analysed through a three-point scale. Results: This study was undertaken in a mega city;  finding of the study could be used in other big cities though the results might vary depending  on time and place. Though there were several challenges identified for the street food vendors  to ensure food hygiene but it is anticipated that proper education about maintaining food  safety. Conclusion: We can impart Training through qualified chefs and hygiene instructors  that can instil these vendors with right knowledge of food to handle it carefully so that it  increases the nutritional value of food and reduce the health hazards because of which people  are trying to avoid going out to street vendors.