From Craving to Culinary Empire
In 2023, Sourabh Khandelwal launched Dahibara Express in Bhubaneswar with a dream
to take Odisha’s beloved Dahibara Aloo Dum across India. Starting with just ₹15,000, his
goal was simple: serve authentic street food with high hygiene and low prices. What began
as a modest food stall has grown into a thriving chain, now clocking an annual turnover of
nearly ₹1.8 crore.
The Power of Local Flavour
Dahibara Express didn’t stop at just one dish. Today, the brand offers over 35 traditional
dishes from across India — from Kozhu Kattai to Sambar Vada, Dal Pakwan, Khawa Tea,
and Filter Coffee. Each item on the menu is priced between ₹39 and ₹200, keeping quality
high and costs accessible.
Rapid Expansion with Smart Franchising
With a fast-scaling franchise model, Dahibara Express now operates 40+ outlets in over
10 cities, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai (Thane), Udaipur, Vadodara, and Rourkela. The
brand plans to reach 100 outlets by March 2026 and is already expanding internationally
with plans for Dubai and Nepal. Franchise setups start at just ₹3 lakh, offering aspiring
entrepreneurs a profitable opportunity with full operational support.
Research-Led Menu, Chef-Free Model
Sourabh spent nearly eight months traveling India to learn from local street food masters.
These experiences shaped a deeply authentic menu while ensuring that the model doesn’t
require trained chefs. Recipes are standardized and systems are streamlined for easy
operations.
Hygiene Meets Heritage
Cleanliness and presentation have always been top priorities. Dahibara Express outlets
feature bright, welcoming interiors with food served in eco-friendly containers like terracotta
bowls and paper cups. This attention to detail creates a balance between street food charm
and modern standards.
A Franchise Model Built for Scale
Franchise options range from kiosks to full QSRs, with investment levels between ₹20,000
and ₹3 lakh. Operations are designed for efficiency, requiring minimal staff, low overhead,
and no chefs. Margins range from 20% to 40%, making it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity
for investors.
Creating a Pan-India Taste Movement
While Indian street food like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Idli Sambhar are widely known, many
regional gems remain undiscovered. Dahibara Express is changing that by spotlighting
Odisha’s flavours and offering a platform for lesser-known dishes to shine on a national
stage.
Conclusion
Dahibara Express is not just a food brand; it’s a cultural movement. With humble beginnings
and a powerful vision, Sourabh Khandelwal has proven that local food, when served with
authenticity, hygiene, and strategy, can captivate a nationwide audience. As more outlets
open and regional dishes find new fans, Dahibara Express is on track to become one of
India’s most loved street food brands.
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