Frequently Asked Questions

Karuvadu is traditionally sun-dried saltfish — a staple of Tamil Nadu's coastal cuisine, especially in districts like Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Thanjavur. Fish is cleaned, salted, and dried under the sun using centuries-old methods. The result is a preserved fish with deep, concentrated flavour used in curries, rice dishes, and chutneys.

Our karuvadu is prepared in Vanagiri, a fishing village on the Cauvery delta coast, by Dhanalakshmi's family using the same traditional methods passed down through generations.

The distinctive, strong aroma of dry fish is completely natural and is a sign of authentic traditional preparation. It comes from the fermentation of proteins during the salting and drying process — the same process that gives karuvadu its unique, intense flavour.

This smell is not a defect. It is why karuvadu enthusiasts love it. Smell alone is not a valid reason for a return or refund.

We sell a variety of traditional karuvadu from the Cauvery coast, including Nethili (anchovies), Vanjaram (seer fish), Karuvaadu (general dried fish), Chala (sardine), and other seasonal varieties. Check our Products page for current availability and pricing.

Yes. Mom's Salty Fish operates under FSSAI License No. 22425438000422, in full compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable FSSAI regulations. Our FSSAI license number is printed on every pack.

No. Our karuvadu is prepared using only fresh fish and natural salt — no artificial preservatives, colours, or additives. The salt and sun-drying process itself is the preservation method, as it has been for centuries. What you receive is pure, natural, traditional karuvadu.

Before opening: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The vacuum seal keeps the product fresh until you open it.

After opening:

• Transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag.
• Store in the refrigerator (0–4°C) for up to 3–4 weeks.
• For longer storage, freeze it — dry fish freezes very well for up to 6 months.
• Do not store in a damp or humid environment as it can cause mould.

The expiry date is printed on each pack. Vacuum-sealed karuvadu typically has a shelf life of 3–6 months from the packing date when stored correctly. Once opened, consume within 3–4 weeks if refrigerated, or within 6 months if frozen.

Always consume before the expiry date printed on the pack.

Yes! Freezing is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of karuvadu. Pack it in airtight freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw only the quantity you need in the refrigerator overnight.

We accept UPI payments only — GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and all UPI-enabled apps, via our secure Razorpay payment gateway. Cash on Delivery (COD) is not available. Credit/debit card and net banking are not accepted at this time.

First, check your spam/junk folder — confirmation emails sometimes land there. Also check your My Orders page to see if the order appears there.

If the order doesn't appear in My Orders and the amount was deducted from your account, contact us immediately via WhatsApp at +91 88708 41167 with your registered phone number and the transaction ID from your UPI app. We will investigate and resolve it promptly.

Yes, but only while your order status shows "Placed" — meaning it hasn't been packed yet. Go to your My Orders page and click "Cancel Order", or WhatsApp us immediately. Once an order is packed or dispatched, it cannot be cancelled.

Refunds for cancelled orders are processed via UPI within 5–7 business days.

We do not support order modifications. If you need to change your order, please cancel it (while still in "Placed" status) and place a new order with the correct items.

Go to your My Orders page and click the "Download Invoice" button next to your order. This opens a printable GST invoice you can save as a PDF. The invoice includes your order details, GSTIN (33ELZPD8857E1ZI), and FSSAI license number.

We are made-to-order — we prepare your stock fresh after you place your order, not from pre-packed ready stock. Total delivery time from order confirmation:

• Tamil Nadu: 3–5 days preparation + 2–4 days transit = up to 9 business days
• Other states: 3–5 days preparation + 5–7 days transit = up to 12 business days

Deliveries are via India Post (Speed Post / Parcel). These are estimates under normal conditions.

⚠️ Cyclones, floods, or natural disasters — especially in coastal Tamil Nadu — can cause delays beyond 12 days. We will notify you via WhatsApp or email if your order is affected.

Tamil Nadu: Shipping charges are calculated at checkout. Free delivery is applied automatically when an active offer or coupon covers courier charges.

All other Indian states: Charges are based on the order weight and delivery location — shown at checkout before payment.

You will always see the exact shipping amount at checkout before you confirm payment.

We deliver pan-India via India Post, which reaches every pin code in India including rural, remote, and hilly areas. If you have a valid Indian pin code, we can deliver to you. International shipping is not available at this time.

Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive an email with your India Post tracking number (article number). You can also find it on your My Orders page. Use the tracking number at indiapost.gov.in to track real-time delivery status.

Our standard maximum delivery time is up to 12 business days from order confirmation (3–5 days preparation + transit time). If you are within this window, your order is on track.

If your order exceeds 12 business days, first track it at indiapost.gov.in using your article number. Common delay causes include India Post backlogs, public holidays, remote pin codes, and cyclones or natural disasters — we are based in coastal Tamil Nadu (Vanagiri, Mayiladuthurai) which is prone to cyclones, especially October–December. Such events can push delivery beyond 12 days.

If tracking shows no movement for more than 5 business days after dispatch, contact us via WhatsApp at +91 88708 41167 with your order number. We will follow up with India Post on your behalf.

No. As a perishable food product, returns are not accepted for change of mind, taste preference, or smell. Please check the product descriptions carefully before ordering.

Returns are only accepted for wrong product delivered or damaged packaging. See our Returns & Refunds Policy for full details.

Contact us within 48 hours of delivery via WhatsApp at +91 88708 41167 or email at support@momssaltyfish.com. Include:

• Your order number
• Photos of the outer packaging and shipping label
• Photos of the damaged or wrong product

We will review within 1–2 business days and process a refund or replacement if the claim is valid.

Once your refund is approved, it is processed via UPI transfer within 5–7 business days. You will receive a WhatsApp or email notification when the refund is initiated. Refunds are not issued in cash or by cheque.

Yes! For orders above 5 kg, please WhatsApp us at +91 88708 41167 before placing the order. We offer special pricing, custom packaging, and dedicated shipping arrangements for bulk buyers — retailers, restaurants, and individuals ordering for events or family needs.

Yes, we welcome B2B and wholesale inquiries. Contact us via WhatsApp at +91 88708 41167 or email at support@momssaltyfish.com with your requirements (varieties, quantities, location). We'll discuss pricing and logistics accordingly.

Yes, you need to register and log in to place an order. Registration is quick — you only need your name, phone number, and email address. Your account lets you view order history, track shipments, download invoices, and manage your addresses.

We use OTP-based login — no passwords to remember. Enter your registered phone number or email, and we'll send you a one-time password (OTP). Enter the OTP to log in. This is more secure than traditional passwords as we never store your credentials.

To request account deletion, email us at support@momssaltyfish.com or WhatsApp us at +91 88708 41167. We will delete your account and associated personal data within 7 business days, subject to any legal retention obligations (e.g., order records required by GST law for 7 years). See our Privacy Policy for details.