A deliveryman dishes up at the canteen. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A small canteen in Hangzhou's Xihu district has become a popular spot among delivery drivers and couriers, offering them hearty meals for just 10 yuan ($1.4).

Located next to the Yunzhou International Union Station in Gudang sub-district, Yunzhou Select Restaurant, also known as the "Brother Canteen", has been serving affordable meals to workers in the delivery and logistics industry since it opened in March 2023.

With over 20 dishes to choose from, including braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, and Hangzhou-style duck, workers can eat well without breaking the bank.

"You can pick whatever you like, and if you're still hungry, you can get more," said a courier surnamed Sun from SF Express. "Outside, even the cheapest meal costs 15 or 16 yuan, and a slightly better meal is over 20 yuan. Here, you get large portions, and the food is delicious."

The restaurant, originally the employee cafeteria for the Yunzhou International Center, partnered with the Gudang sub-district office to launch the "Brother Canteen" project. The initiative has been a hit, serving over 6,000 meals to date. On busy days, the canteen sees up to 90 delivery workers, while averaging around 50 to 60 per day.

Two deliverymen dine at the canteen. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

In August, the canteen introduced a new initiative that allows delivery drivers to earn free meals and rewards by participating in a community service program that provides meal deliveries to elderly residents in the nearby Lianhua community. For each meal they deliver to seniors, drivers earn five points, which can be redeemed for a free meal, helmets, soap, milk, and other daily necessities.

One of the participating drivers, Jiang Yongkang, delivers meals to seniors three or four times a week. "It's a small task for us, but it means a lot to the elderly who get a hot meal without leaving their homes. Plus, it's nice to earn some extra rewards."

"It's a win-win situation," said canteen manager Zheng Xiaodong. "The drivers get affordable, nutritious meals, and the elderly benefit from convenient meal deliveries. This model has great potential for expansion, and we hope to see more 'Brother Canteens' opening up across the city."

A poster encouraging delivery drivers to earn free meals and rewards by providing meal deliveries to elderly residents in the nearby community. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]