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Ritu Arora - CEO - Haanji Amritsari Kulchas
Entrepreneurs stand as the architects of innovation and change, shaping industries and leaving an indelible mark on the way we experience various facets of life. In this dynamic landscape, where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives, individuals like Ritu Arora emerge as transformative figures. Her venture, Haanji Amritsari Kulchas, is a culinary evolution in the bustling city of Ahmedabad, devoted to serving meticulously crafted traditional North Indian cuisine, focusing on the renowned Amritsari Kulche Chole.
In the bustling restaurant space, Haanji Amritsari Kulchas distinguish themselves through a dedication to authenticity, natural ingredients, and a fervour for providing an exceptional dining experience. Artfully blending tradition with modernity, they celebrate genuine flavours through hand-blended spices and warm hospitality, creating a delightful culinary journey in a modest, inviting setting that transcends the ordinary.
Haanji Amritsari Kulchas passionately redefines North Indian food by crafting traditional stuffed kulchas with premium, additive-free ingredients. Their vision is to be a culinary sanctuary, blending genuine hospitality with authentic flavours. Ritu says,
“At the core, we are a bunch of passionate foodies, embracing a naturalist’s approach and understanding that the food we consume defines us. We are committed to delivering dishes that reflect our dedication to authentic flavours and culinary experience.”
Being in the education sector, Ritu’s extensive travels revealed a noticeable lack of authentic North Indian flavours, evident particularly during her journeys across Gujarat. Raised in a family that cherished visits to Amritsar and Northern India, she lamented the diminishing robust spices and distinctive tastes during her journeys. This realisation sparked a culinary mission in Ritu, initiating her entrepreneurial journey to recreate the authentic kulchas from Amritsar. Fueled by a desire to surpass frozen parcels and inspired by her family’s discerning taste buds, particularly her picky kids, Ritu’s journey evolved from a personal mission into the creation of a creative outlet in the form of Haanji Amritsari Kulchas. In 2021, the first restaurant opened its doors in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Since then, their culinary venture has expanded to include a franchise in Bharuch, catering to a diverse clientele.
“Haanji Amritsari Kulchas is a space dedicated to daily experimentation, tasting, and tweaking—an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and the joy of serving authentic North Indian flavours. It isn’t merely a restaurant, but a revival of lost flavours, a tribute to North Indian culinary heritage, and a dedicated effort to restore the spice and warmth that define genuine Amritsari cuisine.”
Ritu Arora
At Haanji Amritsari Kulchas, the focal offerings are the signature Amritsari Kulche Chole—stuffed flatbreads paired with authentic Pindi Chole. They take pride in recreating top-notch masalas, ensuring a flavorful experience that resonates with its discerning audience. The scrupulous craftsmanship of their masalas, marked by continuous experimentation, is what sets them apart. The variability in their spice batches reflects Haanji Amritsari Kulchas’ commitment to using the finest ingredients. Moreover, their in-house spice blending, void of preservatives, elevates the overall flavour profile, making every bite at Haanji Amritsari Kulchas a healthier and more flavorful indulgence. This dual commitment to evolution and authenticity guarantees an unparalleled dining experience in the industry.
Beyond replicating authentic kulchas from Amritsar, Ritu strategically tackled the industry-wide challenge of afternoon closures for North Indian cuisine. Through streamlined production, Haanji Amritsari Kulchas proudly offers their signature Amritsari Kulche Chole and complete Punjabi cuisine around the clock, with accelerated services and no quality compromise. This not only transforms accessibility but also ensures that piping hot, satisfying meals promptly reaches growling stomachs.
Ritu’s entrepreneurial path was fraught with challenges, including initial resistance to a distinctive dining experience and concerns about adapting to distinctive flavours and limited quantities. Haanji Amritsari Kulchas weathered all uncertainties by embracing change and consistently delivering exceptional dining experiences. Prioritising the community, they adopted a humble yet effective marketing strategy of building genuine connections through word-of-mouth, fostering loyalty. Ritu highlights, “Actively seeking feedback from our customers, we evolved. Working with our audience, not just for them, has transformed all challenges into valuable learning experiences, shaping Haanji Amritsari Kulchas into what it is today.”
Haanji Amritsari Kulchas has been honoured multiple times at the Times Food Awards in the North Indian food category. They have also received, The Food Connoisseur Award as the best Punjabi restaurant in West India. However, for Ritu, their true success lies in reshaping the narrative of North Indian cuisine in Gujarat. She emphasises, “Success, to us, transcends accolades—it’s about reshaping perceptions and leaving a lasting impact.”
Even with COVID challenges, retaining loyal members and flavours stands as their proudest moments, defining success as an enduring love for their food and a vibrant community.
Recent technological advancements have significantly benefited Haanji Amritsari Kulchas’ operations. Streamlined online ordering systems and efficient inventory management tools have enhanced customer convenience and operational efficiency. Embracing shifts like the increasing demand for contactless services and the rise of digital platforms, Haanji Amritsari Kulchas is enhancing its online presence, implementing efficient delivery services, and optimising digital platforms for a seamless dining experience with authentic flavours just a click away.
Ritu envisions elevating Haanji Amritsari Kulchas to new heights, actively exploring strategic locations for expansion, and aiming to make authentic Amritsari Kulchas available globally. Plans for extended shelf life with a frozen model and global distribution are in progress. Menu innovation, incorporating regional variations and new flavours, and collaborations with local artisans and producers to ensure quality ingredients are also in the pipeline. The next five years at Haanji Amritsari Kulchas are dedicated to growth, innovation, and delivering an unparalleled North Indian dining experience, with Haanji Amritsari Kulchas becoming a household name synonymous with authenticity and culinary delight.
Mentorship stands as a cornerstone in Ritu’s journey at Haanji Amritsari Kulchas. The invaluable guidance and support from the dedicated team and her insightful mother-in-law have played pivotal roles in shaping their culinary venture. Ritu says, “Embracing the belief that great artists can emerge from any corner, I’ve drawn inspiration from diverse sources.”
She adds, “Feedback from those closest to me has been a compass, guiding the evolution of our dishes and the overall dining experience. It’s a two-way street; as much as I’ve absorbed wisdom from my mentors, I’m committed to paying it forward. Sharing the techniques and insights learned from this collective mentorship has not only strengthened our team but has also fostered a culture of continuous learning and improvement at Haanji Amritsari Kulchas.”
Advising young entrepreneurs embarking on their journey, Ritu shares,
“Embrace the process of continuous learning. Success in entrepreneurship is not just about having a great idea or a flawless plan but also about adapting, learning from experiences, and staying resilient. Be open to feedback, seek mentorship, and remember that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Embrace the journey with passion, curiosity, and a commitment to constant improvement—it’s the key to long-term success.”
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