What does it take to prepare food for thousands of people every day? Is it state-of-the-art machinery? A lot of manpower? An endless supply of groceries or is it just pure hard work and dedication? Well, the answer is, all that and more. Here’s a sneak peak and some facts about some Indian mega kitchens that will give you some perspective he next time you struggle to cook instant noodles for 5 of your friends.

1. The Sri Sai Sansthan Prasadalaya in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is unique as it is one of the largest solar kitchens in India. Across 4 rooftops of the mega kitchen are arranged 73 solar dishes, each one 16 sq. metres in size, which fuel preparation of nearly 40,000 meals in a single day. Besides fresh meals, the kitchen also prepares thousands of ‘breakfast packets’ that are distributed free of charge in the early morning hours.