Food trucks are common on capital roads. Food bike is new.

That’s why a Royal Enfield motorcycle fitted with a side car with BBQ Ride written on it is drawing so many curious eyeballs.

“This is the first BBQ (barbecue) bike of the state,” said Ravi Shaw, 36, who introduced it in Ranchi three months ago.

Shaw, who has taken a franchise of food-bike chain BBQ Ride India, is often spotted selling grilled chicken and vegetable dishes from his bike at Dangratoli Chowk and Morabadi ground.

The bike is equipped with a storage unit, a barbecue pit and a kitchen door that doubles up as a folding table.

He now sells four chicken dishes — smoky chicken (boneless) strips, juicy chicken wings, slow-cooked drumsticks (leg pieces) and a combo dish comprising all three.

The vegetarian options comprise grilled paneer with capsicum and grilled baby corn with capsicum.

While the paneer dish costs Rs 60, the baby corn is priced at Rs 100.

“The chicken preparations range between Rs 120 and Rs 200,” Shaw said.

A resident of Bargain, Shaw had worked with an international bank in Chennai for a decade before quitting his job in July this year to become an entrepreneur.

“My job at the bank was very demanding and consumed all my time. Of course, the dream of becoming an entrepreneur was always there at the back of my mind,” said Shaw, the only earning member of his family comprising his parents, wife and a son.

On how his family reacted to his decision, Shaw said: “They were concerned when I decided to leave my job, but I managed to convince them.”

Shaw, who invested Rs 7.50 lakh from his savings, expects to recoup the money within a year if the demand picks up.

“The response is good, but the demand needs to pick up fast for me to recover my money,” he said.

Shaw currently operates a single bike, but plans to increase his fleet.

“I plan to introduce four more bikes and place them at prominent locations in Ranchi to cater to foodies across the city,” he added.

He currently has a person helping him prep and serve the food.

At present, Shaw divides his time between Dangratoli Chowk and Morabadi ground.

“I’m also often invited to sell these items at large gatherings and carnivals,” Shaw said, adding that he plans to go to Patratu Dam around New Year to cater to the tourists there.