Our Bureau
Mumbai/ Ahmedabad
Small businesses run by Gujarati women in Mumbai and Ahmedabad are providing a vital culinary lifeline to Indian students, techies, and NRIs heading to the US. These home kitchens prepare and vacuum-seal authentic Gujarati snacks like thepla, fafda, and khakhra that travelers stock up on before flying abroad.
A techie in New Jersey, has been carrying homemade Gujarati snacks on his trips to the US since 2017. For him, these foods are not just cheap and healthy alternatives to expensive American vegetarian options but also a nostalgic taste of “ghar ka khaana.” One of the Gujarati Ben, who runs a home kitchen in Mumbai, has expanded her operations to two cloud kitchens due to soaring demand.
These culinary entrepreneurs rely on word-of-mouth and community trust rather than marketing. Their snacks, despite lacking brand packaging, are vacuum-sealed for long shelf life, making them ideal for overseas travel. Their customer base spans countries including the US, UK, France, and Australia.
Another frequent traveler to the US, highlights the popularity of these foods within the Gujarati diaspora, which sees this homemade, pure vegetarian fare as crucial comfort food. Businesses preparing organic home-cooked snack venture in Ahmedabad’s Old City exemplify this growing trend.
Order volumes peak during holiday seasons when travelers stock up, with some customers placing bulk orders for family members overseas. Despite the rise of online convenience, many patrons still prefer personal pickups to ensure freshness.
These women’s culinary endeavors quietly support the diaspora’s nutrition and cultural connection while symbolizing the Gujarati entrepreneurial spirit. From home kitchens to global tables, Gujarati bens are indeed feeding and fueling the American dream.
