Anand Mahindra bowled over by Bengaluru's idli bot, says it could be India's major 'cultural' export

In a world of quick technological developments, India's silicon valley, Bengaluru, never fails to impress us with its unique innovations. This time, it's the 'idli ATM' which has caught everyone's attention.

Set up at a Freshot experience centre, the foodbot dispensed hot idlis in seconds with yummy sides of podi and chutney. A report said that the automatic idli-making device is capable of making 72 idlis in just 12 minutes.

This innovation got billionaire Anand Mahindra excited and curious.


Terming it as a major 'cultural export', the Mahindra Group Chairman said he was hoping to see many foodbots show up in airports and malls, globally. He also said that he hopes the vending machine meets Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards and the ingredients are fresh.

His tweet read, "So many have attempted to create robotic food prep/vending machines. Presume this meets FSSAI standards & the ingredients are refreshed adequately? How is the taste, Bengaluru folks? I’d love to see this pop up in airports/malls globally. Will be a major ‘cultural’ export!"

A video of the 'idli ATM' in Bengaluru has been doing the rounds on social media, making it the go-to South Indian breakfast option in the city.

In the video, the customer can scan the QR code pasted on the vending machine, select the food items, make the payment and place his/her order. The ATM then asks for the QR code that shows up after the payment is done. After scanning, the foodbot processes hot and delicious food in minutes.

Freshot is available in two locations in Bengaluru, and more foodbots are expected to show up across the city.

Last September, another idli innovation caught Mahindra's attention. The top boss wasn't sure how he felt about a food trend which showed idli (made by a restaurant in Bengaluru) on a stick like an ice candy along with sambhar and coconut chutney served as a dip.

The M&M owner termed Bengaluru as India's innovation capital and took a poll on the micro-blogging platform.


Mahindra's fascination with idlis doesn't end there.

Right before the pandemic, the businessman was bowled over by 85-year-old K Kamalathal, fondly known as Paatima. The Coimbatore-based woman made 1000 idlis daily and sold them for Rs 1. She says it is her way of helping migrant workers. She rose to popularity for her generous act and earned the title 'Idli Amma'.

Mahindra assured continued support by paying for her LPG cylinders.