Meat, fish shops face shortage of buyers

By Nawaraj Kattel,Biratnagar, Dec. 21: In Biratnagar, the mere mention of ‘Nareko Sekuwa’ makes most meat lovers instantly excited. Nareko Sekuwa was first opened nearly 60 years ago along College Road in Biratnagar-14 (Now Ward No. 9).  

However, the hotel established by Nara Bahadur Gautam lost its prominence in 2054 B.S. after his death. His son, Shyam Bahadur could not run the hotel as his father did.

While discussions about Nareko Sekuwa continued in Biratnagar, Ram Bahadur Limbu, who had moved from Tehrathum to Ghass Chowk, opened the ‘Ram Dai’s Fish Shop. The hotel is now run by his son Bir Hang Limbu.

Ram Dai’s Fish Shop in Ghass Chowk of Biratnagar-6 has been serving fish enthusiasts for 45 years.

Ram Bahadur still cooks fish, continuing to offer flavours that fish lovers enjoy. 

According to Limbu, things are no longer the same as before. “Life is still going on, but...,” he pauses and adds, “After young people moved abroad. There aren’t many people eating fish anymore.”

He further stated that to run the business we need to add liquor in our shop.

Customers generally come at snack time. The shop that used to sell up to 50 kg of fish daily in the past now sells no more than 25 kg. 

The reason for the decline in business is due to a lack of customers. The old fish business line, especially since the pandemic, has faced many challenges. 

Traders themselves have experienced financial struggles. Previously, there were eight hotels in the old area, but that number has decreased to six now. 

Laxman Timsina, owner of Laxman Dai’s Fish shop, which is also linked to Ram Dai’s Fish, said, “After 25 years in this business, I’ve reached the point where I have to quit. 

Now only Ram Dai, Laxman Dai, Pema and Kanchha’s Fish shops are operational. Others have closed their shops and left for foreign countries and some have found other options.

Timsina explained that while his hotel used to sell 40 kg of fish, it now only uses about 10 kg daily. Likewise, to sustain the business, he has added extra items to his menu, including dishes made from chicken, duck and others.

Rai Dai, another hotel operator, states that once two quintals of fish used to be consumed in the area daily, and the fish lovers still admire his dishes. 

However, there has been a decline in customers due to the restrictions imposed by the police administration. Timsina of Laxman Dai’s Fish Shop said that police asked them to close the shop by 8 pm.

 Only large hotels are allowed to operate nighttime restaurant business. Although the hotels located in the area have never been involved in illegal activities, the police perceive them as a security threat. Despite discussions, facilitation for the business has not been easy, Timsina said. 

Customers, who wish to enjoy fish along with drinks, are now forced to go to small alley hotels for their meals and drinks. 

Limbu said, “If the authorities facilitated both food and drink together, the number of people visiting Ghass Chowk will increase.” Timsina shared that he was able to manage his household expenses and impart education to his children through this business. He wants his business to thrive so that he does not have to go abroad as a migrant worker to provide for his family.