Mumbai’s BMC has created another feather to its cap with the latest attraction of ‘Sea Food Plaza’ at Mahim Beach. In the beginning, people were not enthusiastic but now it has become a local favourite, all credit goes to the 14 Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) from the Koli community.
At present, each of these self-help groups has 10 members who have brought to the fore the best of the Koli culinary tradition against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Dish selections like Fish Koliwada and Stuffed Pomfret blew the numbers up by over 30,000 visitors in three months. Each SHG got support from the BMC on the basis of Mahila Bal Kalyan Yojana to have their stalls open.
Ensuring safety through tight quality rules will guarantee that visitors can fully enjoy their meals without worry. The success of ‘Sea Food Plaza’s’ operation has brought some requests to let it be open daily. This program goes beyond just giving good food—it also offers women in the community job opportunities. With the BMC officials’ support, these women do not only sell fresh catches, but they also turn into yummy dishes and take orders even through Zomato (Online orders).
’SeaFood Plaza’, being so successful, the BMC is to roll out the concept in other sea facing points of Mumbai. This venture, in addition, to better tasty dinners, also confronts the existing restaurants near. The “Seafood Plaza ” isn’t just an eatery – it’s a project meant to both empower and engage the community and promote sustainable business while highlighting the culinary expertise of the Kolis and giving local women a break.