It’s 6 AM, and Anita Maya Mongar is already hard at work, shaping dough and filling it with the promise of a delicious morning treat.

Anita, a culinary enthusiast with a passion for Momos, is no stranger to the early hours. Her kitchen, softly lit by the morning sun, is her sanctuary, and her hands move with purpose as she works with the flour, creating the foundation for her delightful Momos.

Momo-making operation lies in the dough. With practiced finesse, she kneads it to perfection, achieving the ideal balance of softness and elasticity. Her dedication to this essential step is evident in the smooth, pliable dough that will soon cradle the flavorful fillings.

Anita’s creativity knows no bounds. She offers a diverse array of choices, from classic Beef, Chicken but vegetable to more exotic options like shrimp and spinach. Each filling is a carefully crafted blend of flavors, seasoned to perfection, ensuring that every bite is a savory delight.

As Anita expertly shapes the dough around the fillings, her hands move effortlessly, forming each Momo with precision and grace. The folds and pleats are a testament to her commitment to perfection, creating not just a delicious dish but a visual masterpiece.

The steaming process is the final step in this culinary journey. The Momos are placed in a steamer, and as the steam envelopes them, anticipation fills the air. Within minutes, these little parcels of joy emerge, glistening with moisture and ready to tantalize taste buds.

Anita is a mother of three hailing from Nyenyul (Sisty), Sarpang, has transformed her life and the palates of her customers through her remarkable journey.

At the age of 40, Anita took a bold step into the world of entrepreneurship by starting her own restaurant. However, her journey towards becoming a successful restaurateur was paved with dedication and a wealth of experience.

Before venturing into the fast-food business, she honed her skills working as a trainee in canteens and various restaurants. It was during this time that she not only acquired culinary expertise but also developed the mindset required to run her own establishment.

Over the span of a decade spent working in restaurants, Anita gained valuable insights into customer preferences and appreciation for her hard work. Despite her financial stability, she decided to embark on her entrepreneurial journey, driven by her passion to provide people with a wide array of delicious and hygienic fast food options. Her specialty, momos, come in two forms: steamed and fried snacks, tantalizing the taste buds of her diverse clientele.

Adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the restaurant industry, Anita understands the importance of catering to customer expectations. The competition from other emerging restaurants and Momo vendors may pose challenges, but Anita’s determination and dedication remain unwavering.

“Running a restaurant is incredibly challenging and exhausting compared to other businesses,” she acknowledges. “Taking a day off can impact our income significantly.” Despite this, she manages to take Sundays off and compensates for her absence on other days, demonstrating her resilience.

Anita’s hard work not only supports her family but also covers rent, household expenses, and other obligations alongside her husband’s earnings. After the pandemic, her restaurant’s popularity surged, with orders pouring in from various sectors. Anita’s remarkable efficiency allows her to prepare 30 to 40 plates of momos per hour to meet the growing demand.

Her prime location ensures that customers never lose their way to her restaurant, where Momos are the star attraction, especially during lunch and evenings. These bite-sized delights, though small, provide a satisfying meal for those in a hurry.

Today, Anita has no regrets about her decision to become a restaurant entrepreneur. She remains determined to adapt to evolving societal changes and embraces her role as a successful businesswoman. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.

“Believe in yourself and your product, and focus on learning your business because life may present unanticipated obstacles that require us to change our initial intentions,” she said.

Anita’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how resilience, determination, and a passion for one’s craft can turn dreams into reality, one delicious Momo at a time.

By Purna Maya Samal (Intrens)