Maharashtra FDA Suspends Licences of Two Suraj Lama Momos Outlets in Andheri West
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food licences of two Suraj Lama Momos outlets located in Andheri West, Mumbai, following regulatory inspections focused on food hygiene and statutory compliance. The enforcement action targeted the popular street-food chain's branches at 7 Bungalows and Country Club, drawing scrutiny over street food hygiene and halting daily operations at both locations.
The regulatory crackdown was carried out following inspections led by FDA official Tukaram Mundhe. The move immediately triggered a wave of reactions across social media from Mumbaikars, placing the prominent street-food brand under official scrutiny and prompting both criticism and disbelief from longtime fans.
Suraj Lama Momos was established in 2017 by founder Suraj Lama, who started the venture as a modest bicycle stall. Prior to launching the food business, Lama worked as a celebrity chauffeur for Bollywood actors, including Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. Over the years, the brand expanded into multiple Mumbai neighbourhoods, building a strong social media presence and a prominent following for its Darjeeling-style momos and signature chutneys.
The suspension of licences prompted sharply divided reactions online from customers and longtime patrons. Several social media users expressed support for the FDA's enforcement, citing past concerns regarding cleanliness at the chain's locations. One X user wrote, "Finally ! Few yrs back I happened to visit his Powai outlet, I didn’t even enter the place & came out, it was kept so dirty ! Since then I have told many not to order form him. I think the Powai outlet later closed." Another user recalled, "Once saw a Giant Rat just casually walking around this place, immediately gave me the ick."
Other consumers raised concerns regarding food quality and alleged bouts of illness. One comment read, "So glad, their chicken was just too bad, always chewy and rubbery." Another patron alleged, "I did get a serious food poisoning after eating mushroom and chicken momos from there. Stopped eating from there after that!" Other reactions described the brand as an "Overhyped place !!" while another commenter noted, "I’m not surprised."
Conversely, other patrons expressed shock and disappointment over the regulatory action against the popular chain. Defending the food, one customer posted, "Have never fallen sick from his food pls 😭😭". Several longtime fans voiced dismay online, with one writing, "Not the kind of post I wanted to see first thing in the morning my heart is officially broken💔". Another customer added, "I loved his momo but this news is scary😢", while another user reacted, "Kya!!! My heart has sunk now."
