Spicing up the streets: Women vendors stir change in Delhi

Women leading the street food scene

Delhi’s street food scene is known for its flavours and aromas that have long filled the air in the city’s bustling lanes and markets. However, behind many of those steaming hot plates and spicy delights are women vendors, often unseen and uncelebrated. They are breaking stereotypes, juggling multiple roles and overcoming challenges to make a living on the city’s streets.

Women are the unsung heroes of Delhi’s vibrant street food scene, shaping its flavours with skill and determination. Amid bustling lanes and crowded markets, these vendors break stereotypes, juggle multiple roles, and overcome challenges, proving they are not just cooks but pioneers of resilience and empowerment in the city.

Traditionally, street food vending in India has been a male-dominated field. In a culture where gender roles are often rigidly defined, women are largely expected to remain within the confines of their homes or engage in small-scale businesses that didn’t require too much exposure to the outside world. Yet, in the by lanes of Delhi, women are emerging as significant players in the street food landscape, bringing with them their culinary traditions and distinct flavours.

The life of a street food vendor in Delhi is not easy, and for women, it is doubly challenging. From dealing with the daily struggle of securing a place to set up their stalls to battling the stereotypes that question their role in this sector, their journey is far from smooth. Many women vendors have to negotiate their space in a male-dominated market, where they often face intimidation, harassment, and the constant threat of eviction by local authorities.

For 17 years, Sunita Devi 47-year-old has been a fixture on the streets of Sarita Vihar, in South Delhi, selling her signature omelette and egg chaat from a small cart that stands as a symbol of her perseverance. Her journey from a struggling homemaker to a successful street vendor is one of determination and grit, navigating a path fraught with societal challenges and economic hurdles.

“In the beginning, no one took me seriously. I was just a woman selling eggs on the street, trying to make a living in a space that many thought wasn’t meant for women. There were days when I would come home in tears because of the rude remarks and harassment. But over time, I learned to stand my ground. I realised that if I didn’t speak up for myself, no one else would. Today, when I see my customers come back, not just for the food but also to chat and ask about my well-being, I feel a sense of belonging and respect that wasn’t there before. Selling omelettes and egg chaat may seem like a small thing to many, but for me, it is my identity, my strength and my way of showing the world that women can succeed anywhere, even on the streets. I am not just a street vendor, I am a fighter, a mother and a provider and every plate I serve is a step towards a better life for my family,” Devi tells Media India Group.

Devi’s cart is more than just a food stall; it is a beacon of hope for her and her family. Over the years, she has witnessed the transformation of Sarita Vihar’s bustling streets, yet the challenges of being a woman vendor in a male-dominated space have remained largely unchanged. Despite the difficulties, Devi stands her ground, driven by the need to support her family and educate her children.

For women like Devi, street vending is more than just a job, it is a lifeline. Many of them are the sole breadwinners of their families, supporting children’s education, household expenses and in some cases, medical treatments for family members. Their day often starts before sunrise and extends late into the night as they juggle cooking, serving, and managing finances, all the while also handling household duties.

“I have been selling food on the streets for 17 years now. I come from Bihar and have been living in Khadar for many years. In this village, seeing a woman selling food on the streets was once a rare sight, something that people didn’t easily accept. But I never let that stop me. Over time, I have seen a change not just in how people look at me, but also in how other women have started to come out and join the streets to sell food and become independent. Today, there are many women like me who have stepped out of their homes to earn a living, to support their families, and to stand on their own feet. It is a different feeling when you know that you are inspiring others to take charge of their lives,” Devi adds.

Devi is not alone in her journey; women across Delhi are stepping out onto the streets to create a livelihood for themselves and their families. As they do so, they are challenging traditional norms and building a supportive community of street vendors. The rise of these women is not just about their individual stories, it is about creating a ripple effect that inspires more women to take control of their destinies and become financially independent.

Manjeet Kaur, 53, is another example of this growing tribe of women vendors, sitting on the streets opposite Hotel Surya Grand in Rajouri Garden, serving hearty Punjabi dishes to dozens of people every morning. She started her food stall seven years ago to support her husband, who drives an auto-rickshaw. Every day, he helps her transport the stove, pan, table, and containers full of rice, flour, and other ingredients to her makeshift kitchen, ensuring that she has everything she needs to keep her business running smoothly.

“I have been working as a street food vendor for the past seven years, and every day I see how much this job helps us stand on our feet. My husband and I do this together helps me set up my stall and brings all the supplies to my little kitchen here on the street. We never thought we would be doing something like this, but now we are proud of what we’ve achieved. It is not just about earning money; it is about proving that we can create a life where we are independent and support each other. I want other women to see that if I can do this, they can too. We don’t need to wait for permission or approval from anyone to live the life we want,’’ Kaur tells Media India Group.

Kaur’s food stall in Rajouri Garden has become a popular spot for locals who crave authentic Punjabi flavours. But like Devi, her journey to success has been anything but easy.

“When I first started this stall, I was nervous about whether people would come and eat from a woman’s kitchen on the street. But I knew I had to do it to support my family and make sure we had a better life. Today, when I see people lining up for my food, I feel like all the struggles were worth it. I am not just cooking here, I am building something that my husband and I can be proud of,” Kaur adds.

Kaur’s journey as a street food vendor has been defined not just by her determination but also by the  support of her husband.

In a world where women often struggle to find encouragement in their ventures, Kaur is grateful to have a partner who stands by her, both literally and figuratively. From the early morning setup to the bustling hours of serving food, her husband’s presence has been a cornerstone of her success. Their shared effort has transformed a small food stall into a symbol of partnership and mutual respect.

“My husband has been my biggest supporter from day one. He may drive an auto-rickshaw, but he always finds time to help me with the stall. Whether it is carrying the heavy containers or setting up the table, he is always there to lend a hand. We work as a team, and that is what makes our journey special, we lift each other up, and we both play a part in making this dream a reality,” she adds.

Kaur’s journey as a street vendor is not only about making a living but also about inspiring other women to step out and take charge of their lives. She often finds joy in seeing young girls come forward, determined to fulfil their dreams and support their families, just as she did years ago.

“I get so happy when I see young girls coming out on the streets to fulfil their dreams or to support themselves and their families. It fills my heart with pride to know that they aren’t afraid to take on this journey. I always tell them that no job is small or big, it is  all about how much love and dedication you put into it. To see them taking those first steps towards independence is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to witness this change,” Kaur adds.

A city renowned for its vibrant street food culture, women are redefining the landscape, proving that culinary expertise knows no gender.