Hangzhou's 'brother canteen' gains popularity with affordable meals, community support

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.