NEW DELHI, INDIA, July 18, 2014 (Wall Street Journal): New Delhi’s infamous Tihar Jail–home to more than 13,000 inmates–has opened a restaurant that serves comfort food crafted by criminals. Tihar Food Court opened earlier this month in the sprawling Tihar complex, the largest prison in South Asia. Samosas and other snacks along with drinks like lassi and even a thali with a variety of vegetarian dishes are on the menu.
The simple restaurant has seating for 45 and no iron bars, metal detectors or armed guards. It has indoor and outdoor seating, a tandoor oven and its cream walls are decorated with pieces of art painted by prisoners. It has small staff of a constable manager and seven convicts who have proven themselves through good behavior during long years in Tihar. While the restaurant is still waiting for more government approvals to officially open, it started a soft launch on July 10 to test whether it will attract customers.