Empowering Women, one meal at a time

In honour of International Women's day, celebrated on the 8th of March, and all the strong women in our lives, this article is dedicated to women empowerment in the food industry.

Nepal is a country which still has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality. Despite grueling hours of back-breaking work and carrying more responsibility than men, the women of Nepal have always been underestimated by the society. Hillary Clinton once said, ‘women are largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world’, and we agree wholeheartedly. That is why we were very happy to come across this unique restaurant which took a few local village women, helped them enhance their existing skills and share it with the community to help them become more financially independent.

The Village Cafe. in Pulchowk, Kathmandu, is operated by SABAH (SAARC Business Association of Home-based workers) Nepal. It employs around 50 home-based women, who were earlier financially dependent on their husbands or families. They work on a rotating schedule, which gives them the flexibility to work at the cafe three times a week and from home the rest of the week. It’s a very empowering feeling for these women who have been given a platform to rise.

The Village Cafe offers Newari cuisine which is native to Kathmandu. The ingredients used in the restaurant is grown and produced by the women from nearby villages with the utmost care for freshness and authenticity. They then come in to the restaurant to prepare the meals using recipes which have been handed down to them over generations.

On entering the restaurant, you will see shops on the ground floor which is part of SABAH Nepal. The restaurant is located on the first and second floor with options of indoor and outdoor seating. Lunch hour is its busiest as its full of people on their office breaks craving a homestyle meal on a budget. The waitresses are all very friendly and are happy to explain anything which sounds unfamiliar. We were recommended the Bara, which is a spiced lentil pancake with or without egg. We also tried the Newari Thakali set and the Momos. The food is served in authentic metal plates, which gives it a nice touch. For dessert we had the Yomari. It is a sweet steamed dumpling, traditionally filled with molasses and sesame paste, but the restaurant offers different fillings like chocolate and dried fruits with condensed milk too.

The food quality is very good and is also hygienic. If you want to experience authentic Newari cuisine in the heart of the city, without putting a hefty dent in your wallet, this is the place to be. It also feels nice to see these women run an establishment who were once not given an opportunity to work. After your meal you could visit the shop downstairs for some locally made products by these women and support their craft.

In the end, here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.

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Words - Gastronaut Life