From the humble streets of Odisha to global food counters, one startup is redefining India’s street food scene — one plate of Dahibara Aloo Dum at a time. What began as a craving has transformed into a thriving business with national presence and global ambitions. Meet Sourabh Khandelwal, the man behind Dahibara Express, whose vision is to bring authentic, regional Indian street foods to every corner of India and beyond.
🌟 From Hunger to Hustle: The Origin of Dahibara Express
For Sourabh Khandelwal, the story began not in a boardroom, but in a moment of everyday longing. While working away from his hometown, he often found himself yearning for Dahibara, a beloved Odia dish. But in cities rich with their own food cultures, this comfort dish was nowhere to be found.
That sense of disconnect sparked a realization: millions of Indians away from home probably feel the same way. In 2023, Sourabh turned that thought into action with just ₹15,000, launching Dahibara Express — a venture rooted in food, memory, and authenticity.
“People shouldn’t have to leave behind their favorite hometown dishes when they move,” Sourabh shares.
💡 From Real Estate to Recipes: A Pivot with Purpose
Life wasn’t always about food for Sourabh. After losing his father at 18, he pursued hotel management to support himself. Later, he ran a 70-person real estate firm, which collapsed during the pandemic and a cyclone. He pivoted to a role as an incubation manager, where he helped other startups scale — but never let go of his own food startup dream.
🧪 Research, Recipes & Resilience
The spark for Dahibara Express reignited when Sourabh discovered 63 unique versions of Dahibara across Odisha alone. Realizing how little-known such treasures were outside their regions, he envisioned a brand that would serve authentic street food from every Indian state.
To get it right, he spent eight months traveling, convincing local food pioneers to share recipes — even staying at their homes to observe closely. Many were hesitant, but Sourabh’s persistence and willingness to pay for recipe rights made the difference.
“With traditional dishes, there’s no room for guesswork. Every element — from curd sweetness to rice-beeri ratio — matters,” he explains.
🧡 Design, Identity & Affordability
With the help of designer Pritam, the Dahibara Express outlets were created to evoke a street-food vibe while remaining approachable and modern. The brand uses vibrant orange interiors, avoiding the cold feel of cafés and instead embracing the soul of India’s culinary heritage.
True to its mission, prices range from ₹39 to ₹200, making it affordable for all.
“We wanted the space to feel nostalgic and authentic, yet hygienic and inviting,” says Pritam.
🍛 More Than Dahibara: A Pan-India Food Journey
Today, Dahibara Express serves over 35 regional dishes, including:
- Kozhu Kattai (Tamil Nadu)
- Kanji Vada (Rajasthan)
- Dal Pakwan (Sindh)
- China Puda (Odisha)
- Sambar Vada, and more
Accompanied by signature drinks like filter coffee, kaccha aampaani, and khawa tea, the brand is a trip down memory lane for every customer.
“We want our outlets to spark stories. Food should reconnect people with their roots,” Sourabh smiles.
📈 A Scalable, Impact-Driven Business Model
Despite challenges, the venture has hit a revenue run-rate of ₹1.8 crore and is growing fast. Sourabh is on track to open 100 outlets by March 2026 through a low-investment franchise model (₹2 lakh per outlet).
Key advantages:
- Centralized kitchen (no chef needed per outlet)
- Low infrastructure costs
- Trained unskilled labor, empowering job creation
“The goal is to empower communities while scaling efficiently,” Sourabh explains.
🌍 Taking Indian Street Food Global
With 12 operational outlets across India, the brand has already taken its first international leap. An outlet is being launched in Nepal, with talks ongoing for Dubai. A Surat-based franchise owner, Kenil Maisuriya, says, “The public loves the taste — it’s authentic and consistent.”
As Dahibara Express scales, it’s not just exporting food — it’s exporting culture.
🔚 Conclusion: Food That Feels Like Home
Dahibara Express stands at the intersection of nostalgia, entrepreneurship, and culture. Sourabh’s vision — backed by pre-seed funding of ₹6 crore from a Dubai-based investor — proves that regional Indian food is ready for the world stage.
By staying rooted in authenticity, prioritizing affordability, and designing with heart, Dahibara Express is more than a food chain. It’s a celebration of India’s culinary soul, one bite at a time.
