There is opportunity in every crisis’— an axiom that holds for the conceptualization of The Chhaunk. The co-founders, Manjar Singh and Hiranyami Shivani stuck in Delhi during the Covid peak and were unable to return to their hometown. The unprecedent situation and time gave them ideas and opportunities to explore.

With great love for cooking Bihari cuisine, Hiranyami Shivani thought of providing food to people when the pandemic impacted several restaurant businesses. While people wanted just some good food, they decided to offer homemade mom’s recipes served with immense love and care. The Saas-Bahu duo gathered huge courage to start not just a food venture but an experience that takes you back home. The idea was beautifully implemented to provide a homestyle traditional Bihari taste to all food lovers.

The Chhaunk, which originated in Bihar's chowks aspires to create an ecosystem that feels like home. They are showcasing one of the world's most diversified cuisines, which has long been undervalued due to a lack of a targeted effort by any brand, which it has always merited. This incredible partnership of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law has proven that age is no barrier to creativity and entrepreneurship.

Offering Specially Craftedmenus
When it comes to the traditional taste, Mrs. Hiranyami (the mother of Bihari food) provides all of the recipes including Champaran Mutton Stuffed Parantha, Kachori Sabji, Puri Sabji, BajkaKachri, Sattu Ki Kachori Sabji, Methi Puri and Sabji, LittiChokha, Dal Puri with Kheer, Maal Pua, Thekua, and the Bihar special drink, Sattu Ka Sharbat. All these special recipes are made with secret flavors for a unique yet traditional taste. The Chhaunk does not provide any fusion recipe that comes from Bihar and maintains its authenticity.

In less than 30 minutes, the food order is prepared for takeout or takeaway. The food preparation process is completely authentic and traditional. Every order placed with the

brand comes with a free Chhaunk souvenir. “The chefs here specialize in regional cuisines and prepare the recipes according to the mother's instructions. The brand has tied-up with Dunzo, Zomato and Swiggy to help them scale their business with hyperlocal delivery. It provides the greatest delivery services and ensures that the order is delivered to the customer in the quickest time possible,” says Manjari Singh, Co-founder.

Embracing Sustainability
The company has partnered with the Favola brand for food eco-friendly packaging materials, committed to being a 100 percentgreen business and not using any environmentally harmful products in the restaurant.



The Journey & Future
Starting with just one customer to reaching 49 orders daily, The Chhaunk estimated 1300-1500 orders in the last month with a customer repeat rate of 91.1 percent; indicating the increasing number of customers relishing traditional homestyle Bihari food. “The Chhaunk has been receiving inquiries from other states' food as well. We wish to expand The Chhaunk outlets in other states too, owing to the welcoming gesture,” she says.

The Chhaunk adopts plastic-free and 100% biodegradable packaging, focusing on the customer's convenience, better health, and a better ecosystem

She further adds,“We are currently based in Gurgaon and Delhi, with plans to expand across Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, and Jaipur within the next year. Also, early this year, we launched 4 outlets in Manesar (Sector 85), Gurgaon (Sector 52), South City 1 (Gurgaon) and Dwarka (Sector 7), which makes us cover the whole Gurgaon and South Delhi through Zomato and Swiggy and the Whole Delhi-NCR through our website www.thechhaunk.com. In the next3 years, we are looking to open at least 50+ outlets to deliver authentic Bihari food.