Rita Farhat Mukand
Dive deeper into how Alifia Rahman started her exotic cuisine with her unique Darjeeling Momos with the tagline “Where taste meets myth” enhanced by her healthy, sugar-free calcium-rich chocolates, succulent grilled Greek and Russian salads and other healthy culinary delights transformed into a motivational story.
Alifia was born in Kolkata, a vibrant metropolis infused with layers of cultural heritage and culinary tradition.
As a young child, Alifia experimented with cooking. Her brother encouraged her and pushed her to achieve something unique. Alifia’s vision expanded and over the years she met Jawed Rahman, they got married in the serene hill station of Kurseong in Darjeeling,
Living in the tranquility of Kurseong gave Alifia moments to enjoy the warm golden sun, breathe deeply in the pure and fresh mountain air, and delight in the beautiful flowery landscape, as well as ample time to improve her culinary skills. Very quickly, Alifia excelled in the art of making appetizing Darjeeling momos.
Then came the Gorkhaland movement in 2018 and it shook up Alifia’s business. Soon, Alifia and her husband moved to Calcutta.
Darjeeling Momos
In her hometown, Alifia, with her exclusive kitchens, immersed herself in creative experiments that brought out the most unique flavors and dishes. It was a greater advantage for her that her husband also works in the food sector.
Alifia and her husband started a restaurant called Hill Aroma on AJC Bose Road, which attracted crowds of people. Soon it was a thriving restaurant.
Soon and again, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, costing lives and collapsing businesses. Successive and deadlier waves of the pandemic pushed Alifia, her husband and their children to return to Kurseong.
Alifia says, “My journey as an entrepreneur began six years ago when I moved from Darjeeling to Kolkata and opened a restaurant called Hill Aroma. Unfortunately, I had to close it during the pandemic.
During the pandemic, Alifia felt she needed more tenacity and courage to restart her restaurant. Additionally, when investing for her next business, she asked herself, “What if the pandemic comes back?” »
With rumors of all kinds circulating, she worried about the outcome of her adventure. Eventually, Alifia took a big leap of faith and restarted her business. This time, she created a new bold and healthy cuisine called Darjeeling Momos and sold it through her cloud kitchen.
“I would like to mention that I restarted my business from Taajira, a business women’s group founded by Rukshi Kadri Elias. This group has helped thousands of women start their businesses,” Alifia told Awaz- the Voice.
Momos wrapped in Bok Choy
She was surprised to find that it was a huge success, attracting more than 3,000 customers, including large companies, schools, universities and even the American consulate.
“I attended a week-long workshop at the American consulate. After that, I started preparing food at the American Center and the American Consulate.
Alifia’s Darjeeling momos are made with multigrain wrappers and whole wheat (instead of maida), and the filling is either minced meat or vegetables. She also maintains separate cooking vessels for chicken and vegetable momos, being sensitive to the wishes of vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers.
One of Alifia’s specialties is momos served on leaves of Bok Choy, a Chinese cabbage. It turned out to be a resounding success. With the new health trends, gluten-free Bok choy momos are preferred by health-conscious people.
Alifia says, “Darjeeling Momo was created to prepare authentic momos and snacks. We focus on products that are not only delicious but also healthy and made with utmost hygiene, hence we have introduced the healthier version of momos like Bok choy momos which are gluten free, whole wheat momos and potato starch momos.
Alifia has received numerous accolades, including most recent recognition as “Most Promising Entrepreneur” from the American Consulate and the American Center. She aspires to fulfill many more orders.
Alifa and her husband made their lab-tested chocolates, rich in protein and calcium, supplemented with essential nutrients, without sugar or preservatives, yet tasty.
Some of its outstanding specialties are potato starch momos and grilled chicken Russian salads; Greek grilled chicken salads. Both salads are very popular.
Alifia restaurant menu
Amidst her busy schedule with business, cooking, and attending work-related meetings, she takes time to add a personal touch to her home and diligently takes care of her children.
Alifia has two daughters; one is in college and the other is in class 9. She says her husband has always stood by her and said, “When we started our catering business in Kolkata, it was a joint venture where we both worked. Later my husband started his business and I took over Darjeeling Momos”
She is fortunate to have her daughters cheering her on with their cooperative help along the way.
As Darjeeling Momos is a well-established company, Alifia says it wants to penetrate a larger market by implementing mass production techniques, with a special focus on creating employment for underprivileged women.
The slogan of Alifia’s food is: “We take care of your health.” » Using multigrain and whole wheat for momos was a thoughtful move to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. When the world was struggling to get back on its feet, healthy food was the most popular option and Alifia rose to the occasion.
If you are in Kolkata, you can treat yourself to a delicious plate of momos, a Greek or Russian salad, or any other delicacy. As one of their delighted customers told me, “Darjeeling Momos are unique, delicious, delicious and finger-licking good. »
Rita Farhat Mukund is a freelance writer based in Siliguri, West Bengal.
