Robots create a stir at canteen for elderly in Guangzhou

Young diners also attracted by cheap and healthy food

A special community canteen where robots stir-fry dishes has recently become a new attraction for tourists and diners in the Liwan district of Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong province.

The Nanyuan Street Canteen for Elderly People, which opened to the public on Dec 12, always fills up during peak dining periods.

Gao Dayi, the operator of the canteen, said it originally aimed to serve the elderly in the community.

"It surprises me that the canteen attracts so many young diners," he said. "The canteen is open to the public, but senior residents, aged 60 or older, can enjoy discounts.

"For example, a fast food dish with stir-fried meat and vegetables is about 14 yuan ($2) for senior residents, but costs at least 15 yuan for young diners."

Elderly people can also receive government subsidies worth at least 3 yuan every time they dine at the canteen.

Gao said the canteen offers more than 20 dishes to diners every day, adding that it is committed to providing healthy, mildly flavored, affordable and delicious food and good dining services for community residents.

He said it paid a great deal of attention to nutrition and health, and never added too much oil or seasoning to the dishes, in line with modern requirements for a healthy diet. "The canteen also provides some special services, such as delivery services and assisted dining services for elderly people with limited mobility," Gao said.

One 85-year-old diner said the canteen's environment is comfortable and pleasant and the dishes' flavors are suitable for the elderly.

"My home is five or six minutes away from the canteen on foot, and my wife and I usually eat in the canteen about five or six days a week," he said.

"Previously, I used to buy groceries, while my wife was responsible for the cooking, but she was actually reluctant to cook, as she thought cooking was a big burden.

"After the canteen opened, the problem has been solved. The taste of the dishes is very much in line with my preferences, and there are many different dishes for us to choose from."

Luo Xueyi, an 83-year-old who lives by herself, said the canteen has made eating more convenient for the elderly.