Mumbai's iconic dabbawalas suspend services for 6 days: 7 meals you can prepare at home without gas stove, induction, or microwave

The Mumbai local and the iconic dabbawalas are the lifelines of the city that is home to millions of Indians and others. Currently, one of the lifelines of the City of Dreams is at a halt as the Mumbai Dabbawala Association has temporarily suspended its services for six days starting Monday, bringing a rare pause to a system globally recognised for its efficiency and reliability. According to reports, the suspension is part of the dabbawalas’ annual tradition, during which a large number of them travel to their native places to participate in religious activities and community gatherings. This year, the break allows members to attend a pilgrimage and associated rituals, which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the community. There are over 5,000 dabbawalas catering to nearly two lakh customers across the city daily, who depend on home-cooked meals delivered directly to their workplaces and homes. If you are among those who don't have a gas stove or any other cooking appliance at home, we have curated a list of no-cook dishes rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein. Take a look.

This is one of the easiest and healthiest meals that can be prepared at home. All you need to do is wash and soak a sprout mix of chana and moong overnight. Now place them in the dark to sprout. Once ready, add chopped onion, cucumber, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Also, add some sev on top and enjoy the crunch.

If you are a fitness freak and don't want to indulge in calorie-dense meals, simply blend paneer, milk, and some mango to make a shake. Top it with chopped nuts like almonds and walnuts and enjoy a glass-full of it. It makes for a complete meal to keep you satiated for hours.

This is a simple and easy dish, where you mash ripe avocados, then add onion, green chilies, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Now cut slice a pav into two halves and spread the mixture. Enjoy it with chilled nimbu pani made with iced water, lemon juice, and sugar or khand.

This is a comforting dish, where soaked poha (flattened rice) is combined with curd and topped with gur or jaggery. For the savoury version, you can add roasted peanuts, salt, pepper, and green chili to curd and poha mix. Enjoy it fresh. This is a very comforting dish and to make it even more healthier, you can add chopped cucumber, corn, and bell pepper. They will not only enhance the taste but will also add nutrients to the meal.

You can easily find a watermelon at a fruit shop this season. Simply cut it into cubes and mix with feta cheese or paneer along with roasted nuts and seeds. Enjoy for a filling meal.

This is also a no-cook dish, where you simply grate carrot and cucumber, combine it with curd and season with salt, pepper, and cumin powder. Spread it on a white milk bread and enjoy.

This is a very hydrating option, where you simply place slices of watermelon, mango, kiwi, paneer, and banana on a slice of white bread, cover with another, and enjoy it. It can also be packed for school or office tiffin.

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