Innovation

MomoNepal introduces a sustainable street food model rooted in empathy, cultural connection, and ethical responsibility. The business exclusively offers vegetarian and vegan momos (dumplings), including gluten-free varieties, using induction cooktops and paper-based packaging to reduce environmental harm. These practices reflect Sujit’s personal values, which he infuses into every layer of the business, from ingredient choices to waste sorting in the kitchen. These practices also aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Sujit was motivated by personal experiences of exclusion in the job market and financial hardship as a newcomer. After being dismissed from three jobs in two weeks, largely due to his discomfort handling meat and his persistent business inquiries, he decided to lean on what he had: his culture, his skills, and his passion to create something of his own. Cooking at night in Acadia’s international centre and freezing momos in a shared fridge, Sujit gradually began selling them at local farmers markets, laying the first foundation of what would become MomoNepal.

Now operating in several farmers markets across Nova Scotia, Sujit leads a team of six while continuing his university studies. His business model emphasizes connection and low-cost scalability, all while staying true to his core values of compassion and sustainability.

Inspiration

Sujit’s entrepreneurial journey began in Nepal, where as a teenager he and a friend delivered frozen food to hotels on scooters. But it was hardship that pushed him into real action. After arriving in Canada in 2022 to study Business Administration, Sujit faced severe financial struggles, including days when he could not afford food or rent. With courage and openness, he sought help.

Sujit reflects, “I was at a point where I didn’t even have enough to buy food,” Sujit shares. “I went everywhere—from university offices to the church—and people helped me. That love pushed me to create something meaningful.”

Sujit’s academic focus on entrepreneurship and sustainability, along with mentorship from faculty members like Professor Ryan MacNeil and Professor Edith Callaghan, further shaped his values and vision. He learned the importance of “going slow” in entrepreneurship—of building something sustainable not just for the environment, but for one’s own well-being.

Overall impact

From late-night cooking sessions to managing multiple farmers market stalls, MomoNepal has evolved into a structured and value-driven operation. Sujit now delegates tasks to team members and focuses on growing the business across Nova Scotia. His goal is to expand into 30 retail outlets while staying connected to his roots in community markets.

Beyond job creation and cultural enrichment, MomoNepal actively supports local food justice. Sujit also donates food to Wolfville’s Soups and Sides program, helping provide nourishing meals to community members in need. He also offers emotional support and mentorship to fellow students, encouraging them to step beyond university walls and explore the town’s resources.

Additionally, the business donates 1% of its revenue to an Indian organization called Dare, which supports railway children by providing access to food and education. “It’s not a lot,” Sujit humbly notes, “but it’s from the heart.”

Sustainability is embedded in Sujit’s daily choices, from proper garbage sorting in the kitchen to refusing the use of propane, opting instead for induction cooktops. While he acknowledges the complexity of defining “true sustainability”, Sujit remains committed to learning, improving and making the best choices he can based on his evolving understanding.

Business benefit

By focusing on ethical street food that caters to dietary inclusivity (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free), MomoNepal appeals to a growing market segment. The business model he adopts closely resembles the Lean approach, relying on farmers markets to minimize costs while maximizing direct customer engagement and community presence. 

Social and environmental benefit

MomoNepal embodies a holistic commitment to sustainability and well-being that aligns closely with several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The business’s food redistribution efforts through Wolfville’s Soups and Sides directly support Goal 2: Zero Hunger, turning potential waste into nourishment for those facing food insecurity. This work is deeply personal for Sujit, who once relied on community aid himself and now gives back through tangible acts of solidarity.

By offering accessible, plant-based meals and donating one percent of its revenue to Dare, an organization supporting underprivileged children in India, the business contributes meaningfully to Goal 1: No Poverty, both locally and globally. Sujit’s commitment to minimizing plastic use, adopting paper-based alternatives, and cooking with induction technology reflects a deep engagement with Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. These choices, while challenging to maintain in a fast-paced kitchen environment, show an intentional effort to reduce environmental impact at every stage of operation.

Through its focus on community-centered distribution via local markets and its engagement with nonprofits and educational institutions, MomoNepal actively advances Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Rather than separating business from social life, Sujit integrates his enterprise into the fabric of Wolfville and the surrounding regions. At the core of this work is his belief in collaboration, mentorship and reciprocity, principles that reflect the spirit of Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By merging these goals into the everyday practice of his business, Sujit moves beyond symbolic sustainability to a lived, relational and community-driven model of entrepreneurship.

MomoNepal holds remarkable potential to inspire and create change across many levels. Its market-to-market growth model is naturally scalable, allowing the business to expand across communities while staying deeply connected to its roots. As a venture built on empathy and cultural pride, it reflects a form of radical innovation by introducing ethical and plant based Nepali street food that challenges conventional food industry practices. The company strives for a positive impact by reducing environmental harm through conscious practices while also supporting livelihoods and community well-being. It embraces the idea of full spectrum flourishing by caring for the mental, emotional, and economic wellness of its team, customers, and neighbors. At the heart of it all is Sujit's quantum leadership, which is grounded in resilience, mindfulness and a sincere commitment to serving others through his work.

Interview

Sujit Acharya, Founder