Nanighar is an innovative online food service that connects local mom chefs with customers, delivering homemade meals that evoke the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked food. Founded by Ami Devjani Mukherjee and Orij Chatterjee in Kolkata, the service aims to empower women and provide authentic regional cuisines at affordable prices.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many of us yearn for the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals. The nostalgia of visiting a grandmother's house during summer vacations, where love and warmth are served alongside delicious food, is a cherished memory for many. This emotional connection to food is what inspired the founders of Nanighar, a unique online food service based in Kolkata.
Nanighar, founded by Ami Devjani Mukherjee and Orij Chatterjee, is an online platform that delivers homemade meals prepared by local mom chefs. The service aims to provide delicious and healthy food options that remind customers of the love and care associated with home-cooked meals. With a network of over 500 certified mom chefs, Nanighar offers a variety of authentic regional cuisines, including Punjabi, Gujarati, and Marwari dishes, all at affordable prices.
One of the core missions of Nanighar is to empower women by providing them with a platform to showcase their culinary skills. Each mom chef is given an identity and recognition, allowing them to earn an income while doing what they love—cooking. This initiative not only supports the chefs economically but also fosters a sense of community and connection among them.
Since its inception in July 2019, Nanighar has successfully completed over 100,000 deliveries in Kolkata. The founders aim to expand their reach, bringing the taste of home-cooked meals to every street and city in India. Their vision is to ensure that everyone can experience the love and flavors of a mother's cooking, no matter where they are.
Nanighar operates on a pre-order basis, allowing customers to schedule their meals six hours in advance. This model ensures that all dishes are freshly prepared and delivered, maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene. The platform is registered with FSSAI, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
The average price for a meal ranges from 125 to 150 INR, with a commission structure that allows mom chefs to earn a significant portion of the sales. On average, a chef can earn around 30,000 INR per month, depending on the number of orders they receive.
Despite its success, Nanighar faces challenges typical of the food delivery industry. The founders have acknowledged the difficulties in scaling the business while maintaining quality and consistency. They have also considered the option of partnering with larger food delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy but are cautious about losing the unique identity and personal touch that Nanighar offers.
During their pitch on Shark Tank India, the founders received valuable feedback from the sharks. While some expressed concerns about the scalability of the business model, others recognized the potential for growth and the importance of maintaining the brand's identity. The sharks encouraged the founders to explore new avenues for expansion, including the possibility of opening physical outlets to serve fresh, hygienic meals in a restaurant format.
Nanighar is more than just a food delivery service; it is a movement towards empowering women and preserving the essence of home-cooked meals. With a strong vision and commitment to quality, the founders are determined to make Nanighar a household name across India. As they continue to navigate the challenges of the food industry, their focus remains on delivering love and warmth through every meal, ensuring that no one has to miss the taste of home, no matter where they are.
