The 'gig economy' has crossed the threshold into India’s home kitchens.

Housewife Rashmi Sahjiwala, 59, never dreamt she’d have a career, and yet she’s among the swelling ranks of an army of women transforming their homes into 'cloud kitchens'. Thanks to affordable mobile data, the gig economy has ushered in a quiet revolution in working life for housewives across India.

New apps like Curryful, Homefoodi and Zomato connect hungry, time-starved urbanites with talented housewives who prepare and sell meals from their own homes. This app technology enables women to overcome traditional resistance to them working, held by many conservative families in India.

Rashmi Sahjiwala, ‘cloud kitchen’ chef: “It is good for women because India is a very conservative country and still people, the women, cannot go easily outside and work. So, this kind of platform gives them a chance to work at home, look after the family, look after her dreams, what she wants to do, and she can have her own, she can earn money with that.”

Training is even provided by some of the tech companies behind the apps to enable women to master business administration, weekly menu design and how to make wholesale purchases of supplies. Rashmi has since seen her profits rocket to $200 a month, and these 'cloud kitchens' promise immense economic empowerment.