A Chinese staple, momos and it’s various saucy accompaniments has had a most interesting journey from its maiden country China, through the North Eastern States of India and all the way to the rest of India, straight into our hearts. As we chart how momos became an Indian street food favourite almost overnight, we bring to you the inspirational story of Sreejana Rai, the owner of the wildly successful and popular Dumpling Khaang in Mumbai.
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Sreejana’s Journey
Belonging to Jaigon District, Sreejana missed the authentic food she got back home as she moved to Mumbai. ” ..what Mumbai was serving was bad and I just wanted to make actual flavours out of the momos.” And so Dumpling Khang was born winning the hearts of many foodies and the collective love of Mumbai.
But the journey to this path was not easy. After her schooling, Sreejana had pursued Hotel Management but due to untimely sickness befalling her, she was unable to complete her course. Yet, this did not stop her as she trained with the Taj Hotel and soon began to work with The Oberoi chain of hotels at Nariman Point in Mumbai.
All the while, she wanted to realise her dream of a small food business of her own but the process was hardly easy. She even had to shift homes 4 times during the beginning of her venture! Things were tough back at home as well. ” One day I got a call from my father saying that he was taking my mother to the Hospital. To be away from home is the biggest and hardest thing when someone is not well” says a teary-eyed Sreejana who kept on struggling despite the news of her mother’s paralysis.
Dumpling Khang
The uber-popular restaurant began running in Vakola has a result of Sreejana’s love for local food. It has grown to have two outlets in Mumbai’s posh areas of Bandra and Santa Cruz with 15 people comprising of Sreejana’s team.
The restaurant not only has meat products, a common myth surrounding North Eastern food but also cooks up some of the freshest garden produce and vegetarian options. We guarantee that the food here is as authentic as it can get, is flavourful and will definitely have you coming back for more!
Sreejana’s efforts, her lover for home cooked meals and her determination to make it big in the city of dreams, Mumbai, paid well and her delicious meals will always be sought after by us Mumbaikars. How touched are you by this inspirational story?
Also Read: The Inspiring Story Behind Jaipur’s Gulab Ji Chaiwala
Deets:
Address: Dumpling Khang, Shop No 1, Chandu Studio Complex, St Thomas Church Road Kalina, Behind Two Star Restaurant, Santacruz East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098
Contact: 090048 12981
Avg cost for 2: Rs 450