The people of Mangaluru are known for serving up a variety of delectable foods — both vegetarian and non-vegetarian — across cuisines. However, very few mobile food units can be seen operating in the city unlike Bengaluru, where they do a roaring business; this is primarily because people in the region seem to prefer hygiene over taste and price.
In an attempt to fill this void, Datta’s Healthy Bites, a small, family-run food venture operating from a multi-utility vehicle, is making its presence felt at Gujjarkere in Jeppu for the past couple of weeks. Morning and evening walkers, passers-by and local residents are getting the taste of home-made food at this joint.
Breakfast and chaat
The mobile food joint operates from 6.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. serving a few local delicacies for breakfast, including kadle usli, padengi usli, chitranna, puliyogare, and idli — all prepared fresh at home daily. In the evening, the venture serves light, fresh options including cucumber chaat, protein peanut chaat, chatpata channa chaat and masala majjige (buttermilk) between 6 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. Both breakfast and evening chaats are moderately priced.
On select days, traditional specials, such as pathrode, pelakai (jackfruit) dishes and ghatti make an appearance, adding a distinctly regional touch.
Gurudatta Prabhu and his wife Ramya Kamath of Datta Healthy Bites, a family run mobile food venture, prepare healthy chats in the evening at Gujjarkere in Mangaluru on May 8, 2026. | Photo Credit: H S MANJUNATH
Fresh and light food
Gurudatta Prabhu, a diploma holder, and his wife Ramya Kamath, residents of Bolara in the neighbourhood, operate this food joint on wheels. Mr. Prabhu, who ran a milk agency at Ashokanagar, began this venture inspired by his elder sister who works as a software engineer in Bengaluru.
He told The Hindu, “We wanted food that feels fresh, light, and enjoyable for everyday eating. Our focus is on taste, cleanliness and quick service.”
Some of the healthy chat items at the Datta’s Food Bytes, a family run mobile food venture, at Gujjarkere in Mangaluru. | Photo Credit: H S MANJUNATH
Morning and evening walkers as well as local residents appear happy with the variety, quality and pricing. Ronald Lasrado, a Gujjarkere resident, said he loved the breakfast that comprises idli and a few uslis.
Mr. Prabhu said plans are underway to convert the current setup into a full-fledged food truck with an expanded menu of healthy snacks, beverages and traditional breakfast items.