Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 13: Tulu Nadu’s signature delicacies—neer dosa, chicken sukka, fish fry, ghee rice, kebabs, and sajjige rotti—are creating waves in the heart of the national capital, with Delhiites flocking to taste the coastal flavours of Mangaluru.

At the ongoing ‘Saras Ajeevika Mela’ in Delhi, organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, Tulu Nadu cuisine has emerged as a clear crowd favourite. The event, which aims to provide a national platform for products crafted by rural women from self-help groups (SHGs), is currently being held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and has completed its first week.

Among the five to six teams representing Karnataka, it is the women of the Nandini Stree Shakti Group from Dakshina Kannada district who are drawing attention for their authentic, freshly prepared dishes served straight from the stove to the plate.

“It was always our dream to showcase Tulu Nadu’s traditional cuisine to people beyond Karnataka—and this fair has made it a reality. Our neer dosa and chicken sukka have received an overwhelming response. Many ask for the recipe, and several customers return the next day for more,” said Sridevi Chettiar from Ekkur, who is leading the team.

Their stall, entirely run by women, stands out in a fair where most food stalls are either managed by men or have male assistance.

“We strictly follow cleanliness, punctuality, and use of organic ingredients. We report by 8.30 am and ensure all items are ready by 11 am. Our team—Shobha, Lakshmi, Divya and I—manage the stall independently. While some stalls include women, they usually rely on male support. We are proud to say ours is fully women-led,” she added.

Selection and support

Participation in the fair is facilitated through a mobile application where SHGs are nominated and evaluated based on eligibility criteria. Selected groups are backed by their respective Zilla Panchayats, which also cover travel expenses.

Empowered by self-help

“The Sanjeevini self-help group has taught us not just financial independence, but also how to confidently engage with people in urban settings. We will be part of the mela until September 25 and return after that,” said Sridevi.

“From sourcing our own ingredients daily to preparing the food from scratch, we do everything ourselves. Our group has helped us grow into self-reliant entrepreneurs. While we've participated in fairs across various districts in Karnataka, this is our first time in Delhi,” she added with pride.

As Mangaluru’s flavours continue to charm the national capital, the humble neer dosa has become more than just a dish—it’s a symbol of cultural pride, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurial spirit from coastal Karnataka.