From ragi millet idli and jowar upma to moong dal chilla and grilled fish with vegetables, Parliament's newly introduced 'Health Menu' aims to offer nutritious meals for lawmakers, officials, and visitors at the temple of democracy.

The Parliament canteen has introduced this special menu that combines traditional dishes with nutritious ingredients, aiming to encourage healthier eating habits among lawmakers and staff within the halls of power.

In addition to tasty curries and hearty 'thalis', the new menu also features millet-based meals, fiber-rich salads, and protein-rich soups, all part of a broader push to encourage healthy eating.

Each item is carefully prepared to be low in carbs, salt, and calories, while still being rich in key nutrients. Plus, the calorie count is clearly listed next to each dish on the Health Menu. "Each dish is carefully curated to meet the highest nutritional standards — low in carbohydrates, low in sodium and low in calories, while being high in fibre and rich in protein," the menu stated.

Millets menu for MPs, officials

Millets, which gained nationwide attention during the UN-declared International Year of Millets in 2023, are now at the heart of Parliament's new Health Menu. Highlights include:

Ragi Millet Idli with Sambhar and Chutney (270 kcal)

Jowar Upma (206 kcal)

Sugar-free 'Mix Millet Kheer' (161 kcal)

Popular dishes like Chana Chaat and Moong Dal Chilla also feature prominently. For lighter meals, lawmakers can choose from a range of colourful salads such as 

Barley and Jowar Salad (294 kcal)

Garden Fresh Salad (113 kcal)

Warm soups like Roast Tomato and Basil Shorba 

Vegetable Clear Soup

Non-vegetarian options include healthy, protein-rich choices:

Grilled Chicken with Boiled Vegetables (157 kcal)

Grilled Fish (378 kcal)

The beverage section reflects a health-first mindset too, with green tea, herbal teas, masala sattu, and jaggery-flavoured mango panna replacing sugary sodas and traditional sweets.