Fish has always been at the heart of the bustling South Mumbai neighbourhood of Chira Bazaar. And, for 48-year-old Italina Monteiro, even more so. A resident of Dr Viegas Street, which is sandwiched between the busy markets of Chira Bazaar and Kalbadevi, Monteiro is synonymous with her piquant ambotik (a Konkani word that translates to tangy and spicy) and coconut fish curries, and the fish fry, which go from her kitchen to nearly 20 homes every day. With a home-catering business that she started along with her chef husband Avelino, alias Bonny Monteiro, nearly eight years ago, her dabbas today have patrons from as far as Fort and Girgaum. Such is her popularity that even the parish priest of her church orders her fish curries and cutlets from time to time.

Italina Monteiro