Read Our Story
Kokan Bazar is a bridge between the cherished traditions of Kokan and your home, bringing authentic flavours and artisanal crafts to life. Our story begins in the coastal heart of Maharashtra; where we work closely with local farmers and artisans , who use traditional methods passed down through generations, to ensure each of our products reflect the region's rice heritage and authenticity.
The Founder - Nayan Khadapkar
Nayan Khadapkar, a passionate social entrepreneur and strong advocate of women’s empowerment began Kokanbazar in 2008 as a social entrepreneurship project. An alumna of TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), her work has consistently focused on women’s skill development, economic independence, and community-led growth.
In recognition of her impactful work, she was honoured with the Karmayogini Award by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, for creating a business model with outstanding social impact, an achievement that remains a defining milestone in her journey.
Nayan’s work spans extensively across Sindhudurg and other Konkan districts, where she has helped set up self-help groups and cluster units for women and men from economically weaker sections. These clusters focus on local produce, traditional processing methods, and fair livelihood opportunities allowing communities to grow with dignity and independence.
Beyond her social work, Nayan finds joy in cooking for her family and preserving traditional Kokan receipes , which she lovingly shares on Kokanbazar’s you tube channel !
Leadership & Vision - Devika Khadapkar
What started as a social entrepreneurship project; was nurtured by next generation to bring authentic, high-quality Konkan food and ingredients from rural producers directly to discerning consumers in and around Mumbai.
Devika Khadaapkar, daughter-in-law of Nayan brings a strong blend of psychology, leadership development, and strategic vision to Kokan Bazar. A psychologist by profession, she holds double Master’s degrees and is an alumna of SNDT University and Manchester Business School, where she specialized in Managerial Psychology.
Devika has worked in senior leadership roles across large organizations, helping companies transform organizational structures, leadership capabilities, and learning frameworks. With deep expertise in Learning & Development, Coaching, and Organizational Development, she channelized this experience into strengthening Kokan Bazar’s ecosystem.
Her vision extends beyond commerce. She works closely with women entrepreneurs in Konkan, coaching and mentoring them to become confident, scalable business owners. Devika plays a key role in expanding Kokan Bazar’s footprint beyond Mumbai, with a long-term goal of taking Konkan’s food heritage and community-driven model to a global audience.
We’re unapologetic foodies at heart, savoring everything from the comforting warmth of komdi wade (chicken & malvani bread) or kala vatana usal and Ghavan (lentil preparation in Kokan) to the delightful sweetness of ukdiche modak and amba poli (mango sweet). For us, food isn’t just about indulgence, it’s about crafting meaningful, flavorful, and authentic culinary experiences that bring people together.
In today’s world of processed foods and dietary fads, we aim to rekindle the charm of heirloom recipes from the heartlands of India. These recipes transport us back to the comforting nostalgia of ”Aaji chya hatacha jewan” (taste of our grandmother’s cooking) and also encourage a healthier, more natural lifestyle, just like the times when everything we ate was nutritious and balanced.
With this mission in mind, Kokan Bazar was born a decade ago, driven by a desire to reconnect with our roots and deliver authentic, flavorful food products to urban consumers
Kokan Bazar is a bridge between the cherished traditions of Kokan and your home, bringing authentic flavours and artisanal crafts to life. Our story begins in the coastal heart of Maharashtra; where we work closely with local farmers and artisans , who use traditional methods passed down through generations, to ensure each of our products reflect the region’s rice heritage and authenticity.
With every product, from aromatic spices to beautifully carved wooden pieces, we honour the land and the skilled hands that create them. We work directly with local communities, ensuring sustainability and fairness, making each purchase a contribution to preserving a way of life.
Our offerings are more than items, they’re experiences that capture the true spirit of Kokan.
By choosing Kokan Bazar, you support a community and help keep our cultural traditions alive. Join us in celebrating the essence of Kokan, embracing the taste, beauty, and heritage of coastal India.
At the heart of Kokan Bazar is our commitment to social entrepreneurship. We take immense pride in empowering women entrepreneurs and farmers, working hand in hand with them; to co-create the authentic products that define Kokan Bazar.
It is our hope that every product you bring home from Kokan Bazar fills your heart with as much joy and fulfillment as we experience in co-creating it for you.
Together, let’s celebrate the taste of tradition, the spirit of community, and the goodness of wholesome living.
To become a globally respected platform for authentic Konkan food and produce, while empowering rural communities, especially women, to build sustainable, independent, and dignified livelihoods rooted in tradition.
- To connect consumers with authentic, high-quality Konkan food products
- To connect consumers with authentic, high-quality Konkan food products
- To connect consumers with authentic, high-quality Konkan food products
- To connect consumers with authentic, high-quality Konkan food products
- To connect consumers with authentic, high-quality Konkan food products
Our Core Values
Authenticity
Preserving traditional recipes, ingredients, and methods without compromise.
Community First
Building livelihoods, not just supply chains.
Women Empowerment
Enabling financial independence through skills, ownership, and leadership.
Ethical Growth
Preserving traditional recipes, ingredients, and methods without compromise.
Sustainability
Supporting local ecosystems, seasonal produce, and responsible production.