Oh! The Things We’ve Seen

Gud Chana to Beat the Heat

LFC Mumbai | June 2026

A rider logs into the app to select a delivery slot and duration. They must work continuously during the slot, and complete a target number of deliveries, to earn an incentive. Photo by Shreya.
How can one be more mindful of the labour behind one’s food? With the sun beating down through a torrid summer, Mumbai’s Locavores share the food / beverages they offer their delivery service workers to ease up their long hours of work outdoors.

Rashida: I offer water or chocolate for doorstep delivery boys. The patiwala who gets vegetables, I always make tea for him. For the postman and courier, it’s chocolate or biscuits.

Chandrika: From my nani’s time we used to offer them water and Gud Chana. So, I follow the same tradition and keep small packs of Gud Chana in ziplock bags.

Supriya: True. It works in all seasons—it’s healthy and has no chance of contamination. I am a bit too scared to offer anything raw after the alleged ‘watermelon’ issue that caused the death of a family [in Mumbai]. Plain water with gud is a traditional way to beat the heat in interior Maharashtra. Gud Chana is like a cherry on the cake.

Chandrika: In South India we offer Gud Chana with water to any visitor who comes home. I am so happy that such a simple gesture is appreciated and is going to be followed by you all.

To understand the challenging nature of gig work, read more about a day in the life of a Delhi-based gig worker here. 

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