Suraj Lama Momos in Versova, Mumbai is a popular spot among locals for its wide variety of momos, owned and run by the celebrity driver turned entrepreneur, Lama. With over 65 types of momos available in vegetarian, paneer, mushroom, chicken, and mutton options, it offers unique flavors such as tandoori, pahadi, achari, and peri-peri momos. Each plate comes with three types of dips and those ordering tandoori momos also get a mint chutney.
Lama’s journey started when he left his village in Darjeeling at 14 years old and worked as a driver for almost 25 years. He decided to quit after experiencing discrimination in the industry and convinced his wife to join him in starting their own business. They began selling momos on a modified cycle around Lokhandwala, eventually setting up a roadside eatery that grew into the current brick-and-mortar store in Versova.
Today, Suraj Lama Momos has two self-owned stores and multiple franchise stores in Mumbai. Lama credits the success to his wife’s cooking skills and maintains quality by having a central kitchen overseen by her, preparing around 16,000 momos daily.
The future for Suraj Lama Momos includes opening a new store in Kandivali and expanding to other cities in the future. Despite the growing business, Lama’s ultimate goal is to move back to his village and be with his children who have been staying with their grandparents due to his full-time work commitments. With a dedication to maintaining quality and a focus on family, Suraj Lama Momos continues to be a success story in the Mumbai food scene.
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