Mandawali

When I relocated to Mumbai from Kolkata, I was fascinated by the unique street lingo used by Mumbaikars. Hailing from a culinary background and being surrounded by a team native to this city, I encountered a plethora of intriguing and perplexing words that were used in their everyday conversations. One such term that captured my attention was ‘mandawali’. Initially, I assumed it referred to a particular area, akin to Kandivli, but soon I realised that its usage extended far beyond that. In conversations among my team and even with our suppliers, ‘mandawali’ served as a tool to smoothen situations and foster compromises. It held a deeper significance, encapsulating a sense of resolution and determination to resolve issues. Its impact on me was profound, and it inevitably seeped into my own vocabulary as well. Now, ‘mandawali’ holds a special place in my heart, symbolising not just a word, but a feeling — a shared resolve to tackle challenges and find harmonious solutions. 

Urvika Kanoi is a chef and owner of Cafe Duco