The fish are spread evenly on the open ground, which is specially coated with cow dung. Cow dung contains antibacterial properties that help disinfect and sanitize surfaces. Coating floors with cow dung can help deter pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and ants, thereby reducing the risk of infestations and associated health hazards.
Dried fish retains much of its nutritional value, including protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it a valuable low-cost nutrition source, particularly in regions where fresh fish may be unavailable or expensive.
The flattened dough is then cooked on a tava heated from underneath. Koli women typically use a cast-iron tava for this purpose. The bhakri is cooked on both sides until it is golden brown, being flipped multiple times during this process to ensure that it is cooked evenly.
Kolambi (spicy fried prawn) is another popular Koli dish. The prawns are prepared with spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala and red fried to give them a red color.
Goddess Lakshmi in her form as Gajalakshmi (Lakshmi garlanded by a pair of elephants) hangs on the wall of the stall. Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. The Koli women offer incense to Lakshmi in the morning, before business commences, and after sunset, the same way they do at their homes.
As evening sets in, Kusum activates a portable generator that runs on solar energy. Most roadside eateries do not have an electricity connection and rely on alternative methods to light their stalls post-sunset.
A variety of seafood dishes is also prepared at the stall. Bombil fish (also known as Bombay duck), is marinated in spices, coated with semolina or rice flour, and deep-fried until crispy. Pomfret, another popular fish, is cooked in a spicy coconut-based curry, flavoured with tamarind, garlic, and other spices.
Bhakris are lightweight and easy to pack, and they last several days, making them ideal food for long-distance travel. Koli fishermen pack dozens of bhakris when they venture for deep sea fishing, as they may be unable to cook at sea for days.