Latest news with #Lahori
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Indian restaurants are reviving the culinary legacy lost during Partition with Pakistani dishes on their menus
In her book, Remnants of a Separation: A History of the Partition through Material Memory, author Aanchal Malhotra writes about the material memory that refugees from Pakistan carried with them during the Partition 1947— utensils, jewellery, soap boxes or combs. Along with these, they also carried intangible memories — the taste of creamy, delicious Lalla Musa dal from Pakistan's city Lala Musa, Lahore's famous street food katlama, chapli kebabs from Peshawar, and sajji from Balochistan. These dishes are now finding their way once again into our culinary landscape. At Ikk Panjab's outlets in Delhi and Chandigarh, one comes across kunna gosht from Chiniot and roasted Lahori chicken chargha. Chef Amninder Sandhu serves katlama at her newly opened restaurant Kikli in Delhi. At a pop-up he hosted last year, Delhi-based Chef Sadaf Hussain too served the Lalla Musa Dal; and Chef Vanshika Bhatia, whose ancestors belong to the Bannu community of now Pakistan, is researching and documenting dishes such as painda chicken and burke wale chole. Take a look at the recipe books aisle at any popular book store, chances are that you will spot ones on the foods of undivided India, with recipes from Sindh, Multan, Lahore and Peshawar — Sumayya Usmani's Summers Under the Tamarind Tree: Recipes & Memories from Pakistan; Maryam Jillani's Pakistan: Recipes and Stories from Home Kitchens, Restaurants, and Roadside Stands; and Shehar Bano Rizvi's Virsa: A Culinary Journey from Agra to Karachi, to name a few. The renewed interest in showcasing and documenting the foods of our ancestors, particularly by those whose parents or grandparents migrated to India during the world's largest forced migration, points at the revival of a lost culinary heritage. Deepika and Rajan Sethi, founders of Ikk Panjab, realised that there was a story about their own home that was waiting to be told. 'Our ancestors were born in pre-Partition Punjab and that is our story, as it is the story of millions of Punjabis who live on the either side of Punjab, as well as across the world,' says Rajan. The food at their outlets in Delhi and Chandigarh is an attempt to carry forward the conversation about the roots of their food and cooking techniques to future generations, because, as Rajan simply puts it, 'If they don't do it now, who will?' Some of the dishes at the restaurant include matthi chole, which the Sethis have grown up eating at home. A delicious evening snack, it is made of flaky matthis topped with spicy chole, kachumbar and chutney. Its menu also features Balochochistan's famous sajji — made with whole chicken coated with a spicy marinade — and chapli kebabs from Peshawar, where mince is pressed between the palms of one's hands before it is fried. Ikk Panjab ditches dal makhni; Rajan shares, 'it is not a traditional Punjabi dish'. His grandmother Harnam Kaur, who came to India from Rawalpindi, pointed it out, prompting them to replace dal makhni with the traditional maah ki daal. Most of the dishes on the restaurant's menu are an amalgamation of their extensive travels in Punjab, and recipes from their family and friends whose ancestors too hailed from different parts of Pakistan. Writer and brand lead Vernika Awal, who came onboard Ikk Panjab, has been documenting foods of undivided Punjab with her project Delectable Punjab, since 2016. Vernika, whose grandparents migrated from Rawalpindi to Jalandhar, was curious about the different food traditions in her family. She realised that some of her ancestors hailed from different parts of Pakistan, including Peshawar and Multan. 'It got me thinking not just about the food, but also about the intersection of culture and food and how that moves forward,' she says. Her archival project now presents itself as a curated Instagram page, where she documents her family's culinary heritage. While doing the research for the menu of Kikli, during her travels in Punjab, Amninder came across dishes and techniques that hark back to undivided Punjab. Take katlama, for instance. The shallow-friend bread from Lahore is smeared with chickpea, crushed coriander, anardana, red chillies, and black dal. Another dish she serves at the restaurant is a tribute to keema karela. 'I met a lady in Punjab who told me that she learnt this recipe from her grandfather who came to India from the other side of the border,' she recalls. At Kikli, she uses the traditional danda-kunda (mortar and pestle) to pound chutneys and slow-cooks dals and saag overnight in iron deghs on a hara. While Ikk Panjab and Kikli find their inspiration in the cuisine of undivided Punjab, there are many other parts of present-day Pakistan that appeal to chefs and culinary experts. At Falak, The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, MasterChef Farman Ali uses techniques from pre-Partition India to prepare Mughlai food — from using desi ghee and mustard oil for cooking to grinding masalas in sil battas. In her recently published book Sindhi Recipes and Stories from a Forgotten Homeland, author Sapna Ajwani takes the reader on a culinary journey through the kitchens of Sindh. 'Everyone who survived Partition is now in their 80s and 90s. Their memories are fading with time, and the current generation may not speak the language (Sindhi). But, hopefully, they will cook the food and pass it down through generations,' she told The Hindu in an interview published in February this year. In her book, she lists Sindhi dishes too — seyal teevan, kheema ja kofta and Karachi bun kebab, among others. Vanshika's grandparents migrated to Kanpur, Faridabad and Dehradun from Bannu in north-western Pakistan. While looking for the recipe of a dish called peeli dahi online, she realised how little has been documented about the Bannuwali cuisine. The curiosity pushed her to find out more Bannuwali dishes, such as burke wale chole (boiled chole mixed with mango pickle and a layer of moong dal on top, best enjoyed with parathas), or andhi kukdi (leftover roti boiled with black pepper, ghee and onions — it is believed that in the absence of chicken at home, children were told to shut their eyes, eat this dish, and imagine they were eating chicken curry). As culinary anthropologist and historian, Mumbai-based Kurush Dalal, while talking about how Partition impacted the country's culinary heritage, says that one of the first things it did was to cut off the people on both sides from their traditional foods. 'The bread halwa made by Punjabis or the potato macaroni made by Sindhis, even today, are examples of how the refugees modified their food parcels to meet their requirements,' he explains. As food historian and storyteller Sadaf puts it — the revival of interest in the culinary traditions predating Partition is due to the existence of people who want to celebrate their shared past, unlike those who believe in dividing the two countries further. The flavourful legacy forms a powerful bridge, and this showcase of our shared past is proof that some bonds transcend political boundaries.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lahori Zeera success story: How three Cousins built over Rs 300 crore empire from Rs 10 desi drink
The success story of Lahori Zeera began not in a big corporate office, but in a small home kitchen in Punjab. Three cousins - Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda - joined hands to create a drink that would soon become a household name. What started as a simple experiment with cumin (zeera) turned into an over Rs 300 crore business empire. It was Nikhil Doda who first came up with the idea of a zeera-based beverage. After trying out a homemade version using common kitchen ingredients, he shared it with his cousins. The unique taste caught their attention, and the trio quickly realised its potential. They set up Archian Foods Pvt. Ltd. in Fatehgarh, Punjab, in 2017 to bring their desi drink to the masses. Lahori Zeera: A Hit From Day One Their first product, Lahori Zeera, was an instant success. Packed with traditional flavours like cumin, black pepper, dry ginger, lemon, and sendha namak (rock salt), the fizzy drink gave a fresh twist to Indian classics. Consumers loved its natural, chemical-free ingredients, especially at a time when health-conscious choices were gaining popularity. Unlike regular soft drinks filled with artificial chemicals, Lahori Zeera stood out for its authentic taste and use of natural spices. The drink became a healthier and affordable alternative, all for just Rs 10 per bottle. Inspired by Indian Kitchens and Street Food Culture According to Saurabh Munjal, the CEO of Lahori Zeera, the brand draws inspiration from traditional Indian kitchens and the flavours of local street food. The name 'Lahori' was chosen for its connection to Lahori Namak, a kind of rock salt often used in Indian recipes. Lahori Zeera, along with other variants like Lahori Nimbu, Lahori Kacha Aam, and Lahori Shikanji, all carry a strong desi identity. These beverages are rooted in the familiar tastes of Indian households and aim to revive local flavours in a modern format. Massive Growth and Expansion Across India From humble beginnings, the brand has grown at lightning speed. In the early days, their facility in Rupnagar, Punjab, produced 96,000 bottles per day. By 2022, this number grew to 1.2 million bottles daily. In 2023, they reached a whopping 2 million bottles per day. Lahori Zeera is now sold in 18 states and available at over five lakh retail outlets across India. With the help of more than 2,000 distributors, the brand sells over 50 lakh bottles every day during peak summer months - a clear sign of how much India loves its desi drinks. Aiming for Rs 1,000 Crore Revenue In the interview with 30stades, co-founder Nikhil Doda shared that the company recorded Rs 312 crore in net revenue in 2024. This year, they expected to cross Rs 525 crore, showing a growth of over 68%. Their ambitious target for FY26? A staggering Rs 1,000 crore in revenue. This success is remarkable, considering the trio started with a drink priced at just Rs 10. Their focus on affordability and quality has helped them capture the price-sensitive Indian market without cutting corners. Why Lahori Zeera Stands Out in a Crowded Market The Indian non-alcoholic beverage industry is massive, valued at Rs 1.37 lakh crore in 2023, and is expected to grow to Rs 2.10 lakh crore by 2029. While most big players focused on colas and energy drinks, Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda saw a golden opportunity in ethnic Indian drinks. They stepped into a space that was largely ignored, bringing something new yet rooted in culture. By sticking to natural ingredients and flavours people already loved, Lahori Zeera quickly became a favourite. Awards, Recognition, and the Road Ahead The success story of Lahori Zeera hasn't just brought in money - it's also won them praise and awards. The company has been recognised as the 'Best Startup', 'Iconic Retail Brand', and even bagged the IAA Award for Best Ad Film. More importantly, they've created a brand that millions of Indians relate to. Their story is a powerful example of how traditional ideas, when packaged right, can challenge giants and win hearts. The journey of Lahori Zeera - led by cousins Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda - is nothing short of inspirational. With just a Rs 10 bottle and a bold idea, they built a Rs 500 crore business rooted in Indian flavours. This is not just a success story - it's a revolution in the world of Indian beverages. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Economic Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Lahori's funding fizz; Info Edge's windfall
Beverage brand Lahori has raised Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal Wealth. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5. Also in the letter: ■ DoorDash's European push ■ OpenAI to cut Microsoft share■ Microsoft's attrition reset Beverage brand Lahori raises Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal wealth, valuation jumps three-fold to Rs 2,800 crore Saurabh Munjal , CEO, Lahori Chandigarh-based beverage brand Lahori has bagged Rs 200 crore in primary funding from Motilal Oswal Wealth, as per regulatory filings. Deal details: The latest investment values Lahori at Rs 2,800 crore, a threefold jump from its Rs 900 crore valuation in 2022. ET first reported in October 2024 that the company was closing a Rs 400 crore round through a mix of primary and secondary share sales involving investors such as Motilal Oswal. Financials: Lahori's valuation surge reflects strong business performance. The company reported an operating revenue of Rs 312 crore in FY24, up 47% year-on-year, while net profit tripled to Rs 22 crore. It is estimated to have surpassed Rs 500 crore in revenue in FY25. Tell me more: Lahori plans to use the new funds to expand its daily production capacity from 5 million to 8 million bottles. Over 95% of the company's revenue comes from offline channels, though it has recently ventured into quick commerce platforms. Zooming out: India's non-alcoholic beverages market, which includes carbonated drinks, water, juices, and sports drinks, is projected to grow from about Rs 67,000 crore today to Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2030, according to the Indian Beverage Association. Info Edge's stakes in Zomato, Policybazaar valued at Rs 31,500 crore Sanjeev Bikhchandani, cofounder, Info Edge Naukri parent Info Edge's stakes in Zomato and Policybazaar are valued at Rs 31,500 crore (around $3.7 billion) as of March 31, according to cofounder Sanjeev Bikhchandani. The Noida-based firm had initially invested Rs 1,075 crore (about $126 million) in these two companies. Sold stakes during IPO: Despite selling over Rs 3,000 crore in Zomato during its 2021 IPO, Info Edge's retains a substantial holding, which continues to form a significant part of its overall portfolio. Total investments in startups: The company has invested Rs 3,959 crore ($467 million) in startups through its balance sheet and venture fund. It estimates the fair market value of these investments at Rs 36,855 crore (roughly $4.3 billion). Bikhchandani noted that Info Edge has been backing early-stage tech startups since 2007. These investments now account for an estimated 30-40% of the company's overall value, second only to its flagship platform Investment portfolio: Info Edge has backed 111 companies, with 76 attracting institutional co-investors or follow-on investors. Its portfolio includes startups such as TrueMeds, Geniemode, Aftershoot, Mirana, Osfin, and InPrime–many of which have secured follow-on funding from leading investors like Accel, Peak XV Partners, Matrix, Westbridge, Tiger Global, and Multiples PE. DoorDash heads to challenging Europe with Deliveroo purchase US-based DoorDash will acquire UK rival Deliveroo for $3.9 billion to expand its European footprint. But cracking the continent won't be easy, with Uber Eats and Just Eat Takeaway already well ahead. What's the deal: DoorDash, seeking to grow beyond its core US market, will buy Deliveroo to extend its reach to 40 countries. The deal comes amid a wave of consolidation in the food delivery sector, which has slowed since the pandemic boom. Amazon, which owns a 14% stake in Deliveroo, may consider a counterbid. Zoom out: The sector has seen a flurry of recent activity. Uber Eats is set to acquire 85% of Turkish food and grocery platform Trendyol Go in a $700 million cash deal. Prosus NV agreed to buy Amsterdam's Just Eat NV in February for €4.1 billion. Last November, billionaire Marc Lore's Wonder Group Inc. completed its $650 million acquisition of Chicago-based Grubhub from Just Eat Road ahead: DoorDash still heavily relies on US revenues, but it now faces fierce European competition from entrenched rivals like Uber Eats and Just Eat Takeaway. Yet, its sheer scale could give it an edge in the fragmented UK delivery market, said Mandeep Singh, senior industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence . OpenAI plans to slash revenue share to Microsoft ( L-R) Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI and Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft OpenAI has told investors that it plans to significantly reduce the share of its revenue allocated to key backer Microsoft as part of ongoing restructuring efforts, The Information reported. What's happening: In financial forecasts shared with investors, OpenAI revealed it aims to halve the percentage of revenue shared with Microsoft by 2030. The company is committed to sharing 20% of its revenue with Microsoft through to that year. However, it now plans to cut this figure to 10% – not just for Microsoft but also for several other commercial partners. Recent developments: This move follows OpenAI decision to remain under nonprofit control, reversing its earlier, controversial plan to transition to a for-profit decision defies investor pressure for a shift to a traditional for-profit model, which would have allowed OpenAI to offer equity to top talent and attract greater investment. Microsoft not to rehire ousted employees for two years, considers departures 'good attrition' Microsoft has introduced a two-year ban on rehiring employees dismissed for performance-related reasons, marking a shift in its approach to workforce quality and retention. More details: This policy applies exclusively to staff let go due to underperformance. Internally, the company now refers to these departures as 'good attrition', mirroring Amazon's concept of 'unregretted attention,' which tracks employees the company is comfortable losing each year. Zoom out: The move reflects a broader trend across the tech sector, where firms are doubling down on performance standards and trimming headcount. Meta, Google, and TikTok have all carried out similar cuts with an eye on efficiency. What else: The policy follows reports last month that Microsoft is planning more job cuts in May, focusing on middle management. The company aims to rebalance its workforce by increasing the proportion of engineers relative to non-technical roles. Updated On May 07, 2025, 07:15 PM IST
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lahori's funding fizz; Info Edge's windfall
Lahori's funding fizz; Info Edge's windfall Also in the letter: Beverage brand Lahori raises Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal wealth, valuation jumps three-fold to Rs 2,800 crore Deal details: The latest investment values Lahori at Rs 2,800 crore, a threefold jump from its Rs 900 crore valuation in 2022. ET first reported in October 2024 that the company was closing a Rs 400 crore round through a mix of primary and secondary share sales involving investors such as Motilal Oswal. Financials: The company reported an operating revenue of Rs 312 crore in FY24, up 47% year-on-year, while net profit tripled to Rs 22 crore. It is estimated to have surpassed Rs 500 crore in revenue in FY25. Tell me more: Zooming out: Info Edge's stakes in Zomato, Policybazaar valued at Rs 31,500 crore Sold stakes during IPO: Total investments in startups: The company has invested Rs 3,959 crore ($467 million) in startups through its balance sheet and venture fund. It estimates the fair market value of these investments at Rs 36,855 crore (roughly $4.3 billion). Bikhchandani noted that Info Edge has been backing early-stage tech startups since 2007. These investments now account for an estimated 30-40% of the company's overall value, second only to its flagship platform Investment portfolio: Info Edge has backed 111 companies, with 76 attracting institutional co-investors or follow-on investors. Its portfolio includes startups such as TrueMeds, Geniemode, Aftershoot, Mirana, Osfin, and InPrime–many of which have secured follow-on funding from leading investors like Accel, Peak XV Partners, Matrix, Westbridge, Tiger Global, and Multiples PE. DoorDash heads to challenging Europe with Deliveroo purchase What's the deal: Zoom out: Road ahead: OpenAI plans to slash revenue share to Microsoft What's happening: The company is committed to sharing 20% of its revenue with Microsoft through to that year. However, it now plans to cut this figure to 10% – not just for Microsoft but also for several other commercial partners. Recent developments: Microsoft not to rehire ousted employees for two years, considers departures 'good attrition' More details: Zoom out: What else: Beverage brand Lahori has raised Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal Wealth. This and more in today's ETtech Top 5.■ DoorDash's European push■ OpenAI to cut Microsoft share■ Microsoft's attrition resetSaurabh Munjal, CEO, LahoriChandigarh-based beverage brand Lahori has bagged Rs 200 crore in primary funding from Motilal Oswal Wealth, as per regulatory valuation surge reflects strong business plans to use the new funds to expand its daily production capacity from 5 million to 8 million bottles. Over 95% of the company's revenue comes from offline channels, though it has recently ventured into quick commerce non-alcoholic beverages market, which includes carbonated drinks, water, juices, and sports drinks, is projected to grow from about Rs 67,000 crore today to Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2030, according to the Indian Beverage Bikhchandani, cofounder, Info EdgeNaukri parent Info Edge's stakes in Zomato and Policybazaar are valued at Rs 31,500 crore (around $3.7 billion) as of March 31, according to cofounder Sanjeev Bikhchandani . The Noida-based firm had initially invested Rs 1,075 crore (about $126 million) in these two selling over Rs 3,000 crore in Zomato during its 2021 IPO , Info Edge's retains a substantial holding, which continues to form a significant part of its overall DoorDash will acquire UK rival Deliveroo for $3.9 billion to expand its European footprint. But cracking the continent won't be easy, with Uber Eats and Just Eat Takeaway already well seeking to grow beyond its core US market, will buy Deliveroo to extend its reach to 40 countries. The deal comes amid a wave of consolidation in the food delivery sector, which has slowed since the pandemic boom. Amazon, which owns a 14% stake in Deliveroo, may consider a sector has seen a flurry of recent activity. Uber Eats is set to acquire 85% of Turkish food and grocery platform Trendyol Go in a $700 million cash deal. Prosus NV agreed to buy Amsterdam's Just Eat NV in February for €4.1 billion. Last November, billionaire Marc Lore's Wonder Group Inc. completed its $650 million acquisition of Chicago-based Grubhub from Just Eat still heavily relies on US revenues, but it now faces fierce European competition from entrenched rivals like Uber Eats and Just Eat Takeaway. Yet, its sheer scale could give it an edge in the fragmented UK delivery market, said Mandeep Singh, senior industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.(L-R) Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI and Satya Nadella, CEO, MicrosoftOpenAI has told investors that it plans to significantly reduce the share of its revenue allocated to key backer Microsoft as part of ongoing restructuring efforts, The Information financial forecasts shared with investors, OpenAI revealed it aims to halve the percentage of revenue shared with Microsoft by move follows OpenAI decision to remain under nonprofit control, reversing its earlier, controversial plan to transition to a for-profit decision defies investor pressure for a shift to a traditional for-profit model, which would have allowed OpenAI to offer equity to top talent and attract greater has introduced a two-year ban on rehiring employees dismissed for performance-related reasons, marking a shift in its approach to workforce quality and policy applies exclusively to staff let go due to underperformance. Internally, the company now refers to these departures as 'good attrition', mirroring Amazon's concept of 'unregretted attention,' which tracks employees the company is comfortable losing each move reflects a broader trend across the tech sector, where firms are doubling down on performance standards and trimming headcount. Meta, Google, and TikTok have all carried out similar cuts with an eye on policy follows reports last month that Microsoft is planning more job cuts in May, focusing on middle management. The company aims to rebalance its workforce by increasing the proportion of engineers relative to non-technical roles.
Economic Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Beverage brand Lahori raises Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal wealth, valuation jumps three-fold to Rs 2,800 crore
Chandigarh-based Lahori has raised Rs 200 crore from Motilal Oswal Wealth, valuing the beverage maker at Rs 2,800 crore—a threefold rise since 2022. Known for its cumin-flavoured drink Zeera, Lahori plans to expand production as revenues grow, with the wider carbonated drinks market heating up in India. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Chandigarh-based beverage maker Lahori, known for its carbonated non-alcoholic drinks in local flavours, has secured Rs 200 crore in primary funding from Motilal Oswal wealth , according to regulatory investment values Lahori at Rs 2,800 crore, marking a threefold increase from its previous valuation of Rs 900 crore in 2022. ET was the first to report on October 2024 that Lahori was closing a Rs 400 crore funding in a mix of primary and secondary sale of shares from the likes of Motilal Oswal The current round will see founders and existing investor Verlinvest may partially offload their stake, sources said. As per filings with the Registrar of Companies, Motilal Oswal Wealth will acquire a 7% stake in Lahori for its primary surge in Lahori's valuation has come on the back of rapid growth in its business. During fiscal 2024, the company reported Rs 312 crore in operating revenue, a 47% increase, while its net profit tripled to Rs 22 crore. In fiscal 2025, it is estimated to have crossed the Rs 500 crore revenue in 2017 by three cousins – Saurabh Munjal, Saurabh Bhutna, and Nikhil Doda – who together hold a 78.8% stake, Lahori's flagship product, Lahori Zeera , a cumin-flavoured carbonated drink, remains popular in the offline market. The company also sells lemon-based drinks such as shikanji, popular in northern plans to use the fresh capital to expand its manufacturing capacity from 5 million to 8 million bottles per day. The company currently operates two manufacturing plants in Punjab and Gujarat and is working to establish a new facility in Uttar company, which derives more than 95% of its revenues from offline channels, recently started selling on quick commerce to the Indian Beverage Association , the non-alcoholic beverages segment – comprising carbonated soft drinks, water, juice, and sports drinks – in India is expected to expand to Rs 1.5 lakh crore by 2030 from about Rs 67,000 crore at carbonated beverages market, led by Coca Cola and PepsiCo, is also seeing disruption with the entry of Reliance Industries-owned beverages brand Campa. Both Coca Cola and PepsiCo have introduced smaller packs priced at Rs 10 to compete with Campa.
