An interview from Mr.Murali Vasaga Raja, Managing Director, Galway Pvt Ltd
Specialized in manufacturing bulk steam cooking systems and a leader in institutional and community kitchen solutions
FRESH & FROZEN : What inspired the founding of Steam Cooking System, and how has the journey evolved since inception?
Lion Murali Vasagaraja : The inspiration behind founding Galway Kitchen Machineries Private Limited and its flagship Steam Cooking System came from a simple yet powerful idea—to make large scale cooking more efficient, hygienic, and sustainable. In traditional community kitchens, institutions, and hostels, the dependency on firewood and conventional methods often led to inefficiency, higher costs, and environmental concerns.
Recognising this challenge, Galway introduced the Articia Steam Cooking System, built on principles of energy efficiency, safety, and quality. The system was designed not only to save fuel and time but also to ensure nutritious and hygienic mass cooking, supporting schools, hostels, hospitals, industries, and defence units. Since inception, the journey has been one of continuous innovation — evolving from firewood and gas-based boilers to modern electric and solar powered steam solutions.
Over the years, Galway has expanded its product range to include idli steamers, multi-tier steam systems, food carts, shredders, and stainless-steel kitchen equipment — all engineered for durability. safety, and sustainability. Today, Galway Kitchen Machineries stands as a recognized name in institutional kitchen solutions, with installations across India and overseas, proudly supporting both government initiatives and private enterprises. The journey reflects our belief in engineering.
FNF : Could you share the story behind your first steam cooking innovation?
LMV : The story of Galway Kitchen Machineries’ first steam cooking innovation began with a clear observation—in many large kitchens such as hostels, temples, schools, and community kitchens, traditional cooking methods were slow, labour intensive, and consumed excessive fuel. This not only caused inefficiencies but also compromised hygiene and nutritional value.
Driven to solve this, our team designed the first Articia Steam Cooking System—an indirect steam boiler with idli cookers and rice vessels that could prepare food for hundreds of people in a fraction of the time compared to conventional methods. The focus was on safety, durability, and consistency, ensuring that food retained its taste and nutrition while reducing fuel usage significantly.
The initial prototype was tested in an institutional kitchen, and the results were transformative — faster cooking, lower costs, cleaner kitchens, and happier communities. What started as a single innovation soon became the foundation of Galway’s product line, inspiring further developments like multi-tier idli steamers, double-jacketed kettles, and now electric & solar steam boilers.
FNF : What are the core features of your flagship steam cooking systems?
LMV : Our flagship Articia Steam Cooking Systems are designed with a focus on efficiency, safety, hygiene, and sustainability. Some of the core features include:
- Indirect Steam Technology – Ensures uniform cooking without direct contact between flame and food, preserving taste and nutrition.
- Energy Efficiency – Optimized steam utilization significantly reduces fuel, electricity, or firewood consumption.
- Multi-Vessel & Multi-Tier Capacity Enables large-scale cooking of rice, idlis, vegetables, curries, and more
serving hundreds to thousands of meals per batch. - Stainless Steel 304 Construction Built with food-grade SS304 for durability, hygiene, and and
corrosion resistance. - Safety First Design – Integrated with pressure control valves, insulated chambers, safety locks for accident free operations.
- Flexibility in Fuel Sources Compatible with firewood, LPG, electricity, and solar-powered boilers, depending on client needs.
Time-Saving – Drastically reduces cooking time compared to conventional
FNF : How do your products cater to bulk cooking needs while preserving nutrition?
LMV: At Galway Kitchen Machineries, our products are designed to solve a key challenge in institutional kitchens—bulk cooking without losing taste, hygiene, or nutrition.
- Indirect Steam Cooking Technology Using steam as the medium ensures even heat transfer, avoids burning, and preserves vitamins and natural flavors.
- Nutrient Retention – Steam cooking preserves proteins, fiber, and starch balance, making meals healthier
- Large-Scale Efficiency – Multi-tier and multi-vessel systems cook hundreds to thousands of meals per batch with consistent taste and texture.
- Hygiene & Safety – Built with food grade Stainless Steel 304, our systems keep food uncontaminated, fresh, and safe for mass kitchens in schools, hostels, temples, hospitals, and defense units.
FNF : What role does automation play in your technology offerings?
LMV: At Galway Kitchen Machineries, automation is central to our technology, ensuring efficiency, precision, and consistency in large-scale cooking.
- Automated Steam Control – Boilers and vessels regulate pressure and temperature automatically, removing the need for manual monitoring.
- Time & Process Automation – Preset cooking cycles for rice, idlis, curries, and vegetables guarantee uniform taste, nutrition, and quality.
- Safety Automation – Auto cut-off, pressure valves, and alarms prevent overheating, accidents, and spoilage.
- Energy Optimization – Smart fuel and steam management reduces firewood, LPG, or electricity use, cutting costs and supporting sustainability.
FNF : Which industries or sectors benefit most from your products—hospital kitchens, institutions, or food processing units?
LMV : Our Articia Steam Cooking Systems deliver hygienic, nutritious, and efficient bulk cooking for diverse sectors.
- Hospitals & Healthcare Kitchens Deliver hygienic, oil-free, nutrient-rich meals tailored for medical diets.
- Educational Institutions & Hostels Enable fast, large-scale meal Our Articia Steam Cooking Systems and kitchen solutions are versatile and designed to meet the needs of multiple sectors that require bulk cooking with Hospitals & Healthcare Kitchens Provide hygienic, oil-free, nutrient-rich meals for patients and staff, supporting medical diets with easily digestible steam-cooked food.
- Educational Institutions & Hostels Perfect for schools, colleges, and hostels, enabling fast, large scale meal preparation daily while maintaining consistent taste and nutrition.
FNF : How do you differentiate your offerings in a competitive market?
LMV: At Galway Kitchen Machineries, our strength lies in innovation, reliability, and customer focused solutions. In a competitive kitchen equipment market, we stand out through:
- Specialized Steam Cooking Expertise – Pioneers in indirect steam systems, tailored for bulk & institutional kitchens.
- Nutritional & Hygienic Advantage – Retains nutrients, flavors, and ensures hygiene at large scale.
- Custom-Built Solutions Machines customized to meal size, fuel, space & energy needs. Innovation-Driven Products From idli steamers to solar boilers, designed to match market trends.
- Quality & Safety First – SS304 build with automation, meeting global standards & safety norms.
FNF: Can you share any recent product innovations or upgrades from Steam Cooking System?
LMV : ARTICIA Indirect Steam Cooking System :
A modern solution designed to cook large quantities efficiently without direct food contact with flames. Multi-Tier Idli Steamer : Compact and space-saving design, making it suitable for commercial kitchens. Automation & Smart Controls : Integration of automatic pressure regulation, water level control, and safety valves. Sustainability-Focused Developments : Solar Steam Boilers: Utilizing solar energy for large-scale kitchens.
FNF : How do you ensure client satisfaction and long-term partnerships?
LMV : Galway Kitchen Machineries Private Limited, we believe client satisfaction is built on trust, reliability, and value-driven service. We ensure this through:
- Customized Solutions – Tailor-made steam systems & boilers designed to meet each client’s unique needs.
- Quality & Safety First – Built with SS304, safety automation, ISO & food safety compliance.
- Strong After-Sales Support Regional service teams, 24/7 support, preventive maintenance.
- Continuous Innovation – Upgrades like solar/electric boilers, food carts, energy-saving tech.
- Transparency & Trust – Clear pricing, timely delivery, long-term government & institutional clients.
FNF : Could you share any strategies that helped scale your presence nationally or globally?
LMV: Galway Kitchen Machineries grew from Coimbatore to global markets by focusing on government projects, product diversification, and innovation. With Articia Steam Systems, Multi-Tier Idli Steamers, and Solar Boilers, it serves sectors like hospitality, NGOs, defense, and corporates. ISO standards, DPIIT recognition, and certifications built trust with clients in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Branding through “Articia”, digital campaigns, exhibitions, and client success stories strengthened visibility and credibility. A client-centric approach with custom-built solutions, reliable service, and training secured long-term loyalty. Word-of-mouth referrals and repeat orders, along with eco-friendly innovations like solar boilers, further fueled growth.
Training ensures clients use systems effectively through installation demos, sector-specific programs, and multilingual guides. Workshops help staff master automation, retain nutrition, and maintain consistency. After-sales support, refresher training, and emphasis on safety, hygiene, and sustainability guarantee long-term adoption and efficiency.
FNF : How do you see steam cooking technologies contributing to India’s food safety and energy efficiency goals?
LMV: At Galway Kitchen Machineries Private Limited, we view steam cooking technologies as a vital contributor to India’s mission of food safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
- Food Safety – Steam cooking at controlled temperatures eliminates bacteria and pathogens. Preserves nutrients, taste, and hygiene for schools, hostels, hospitals, and defense. Articia Systems reduce contamination by minimizing human contact.
- Energy Efficiency – Indirect steam systems cut fuel use compared to traditional cooking. Solar and electric boilers support India’s green energy goals. Automation and heat retention boost output while lowering energy and carbon use.
FNF : Have government initiatives or policies influenced your R&D direction?
LMV: At Galway Kitchen Machineries, our strength lies in innovation, reliability, and customer focused solutions. In a competitive kitchen equipment market, we stand out through:
- Food Security & Mid-Day Meal Schemes – Large-capacity steam systems designed for safe, nutritious bulk meals.
- Energy Efficiency & Renewable Integration – Solar and electric boilers reduce fossil fuel use and emissions. Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – 100% Indian-made equipment supports local suppliers and technology. Government policies drive our R&D to deliver sustainable, scalable solutions aligned with India’s growth goals.
FNF : As What trends do you foresee in India’s institutional and industrial kitchens?
LMV : Sustainable & Green Energy Adoption: Shift to solar and electric boilers to cut carbon footprints. Rising demand for energy-efficient cooking aligned with renewable goals. Automation & Smart Kitchens : Growing use of automated steam systems and IoT monitoring. Digital controls improve precision, safety, and ease of cooking. Hygiene & Food Safety Priority: Post pandemic focus on contactless, hygienic bulk cooking solutions.