Latest news with #SohanHalwa
News18
5 days ago
- Business
- News18
Om Sweets: How 2 Brothers Came From Pakistan And Built A Rs 600 Crore Empire In India
Amidst the glittering high-rises of Gurugram, Haryana, and the tempting fragrances wafting from roadside stalls lies a sweet shop that holds a special place in the hearts of many. We're talking about Om Sweets, a household name transformed by the Kathuria brothers into a Rs 600 crore enterprise, thanks to their unwavering dedication and, quite literally, their sweetness. But this isn't just a tale of desserts, it's a story of resilience, perseverance, and staying true to one's roots. The Kathuria family's journey began long before Independence, in Multan (now in Pakistan), where they made their living by crafting traditional Sohan Halwa. With hard work and mastery, they perfected the art. However, following the partition of India in 1947, the family relocated to India, bringing little more than their recipes and hope. Starting over in Arjun Nagar, Gurugram, they set up a modest cart selling Sohan Halwa. Life was far from easy. After the family's patriarch passed away, the elder son, Om Prakash, left his studies to take responsibility. Through sheer grit, he turned the humble cart into a small shop, which gradually blossomed into what is today a trusted and loved brand. Om Sweets now offers a diverse menu of over 600 dishes, ranging from crispy D osa and spicy C how Mein to beloved Indian desserts like R asmalai and, of course, their star attraction, Doda Barfi. This barfi is not merely a sweet, it's an emotion for their loyal customers. Made using special Anguri wheat, it boasts a unique flavour that sets it apart. On an average day, the shop sells 10,000 kilograms of B arfi, a number that multiplies fivefold during festive seasons. People simply can't resist its charm. The younger generation, Ankit and Karan Kathuria, have taken the reins and propelled the business further, learning every part of the trade, from kneading dough to serving customers. Today, Om Sweets has evolved with the times. They've opened 20 modern outlets across Delhi-NCR, introduced online deliveries, and even expanded into international markets such as Dubai and Qatar. Innovative offerings like Thandai Pearls and Biscoff Barfi blend tradition with contemporary tastes, making Om Sweets a serious competitor to giants like Haldiram's and Bikanervala. Yet, despite their success, they've stayed rooted in their values. A bowl of chole still costs just Rs 25, affordable, hearty, and served with the same love that built their empire. The story of Om Sweets isn't just a business success, it's a legacy of family, heritage, and community. Every sweetmeat sold is infused with the history and hard work of generations past. The Kathuria family continues to believe that every customer deserves the same warmth and sweetness, a philosophy that's clearly reflected in everything they do.
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Sweet memories
Over the years, the bustling market of Chandni Chowk has experienced everything from the rampage of 1857 to Liberalisation of 1990. It has resiliently risen from ruins and so has Ghantewala, the famous sweet shop in Old Delhi. Launched in 1790 by Lala Sukh Lal Jain, today it is run by the seventh generation of founders. The transformation has been profound, from receiving patronage of Kings and watching the grand palanquins glide by on empty streets, to paying taxes and taking in the everyday cacophony as cycle rickshaws ferry passengers and vehicles of all sizes jostle for space. The story of Ghantewala started with Lala Sukh Lal Jain who would sell his sweets, carrying them in a basket on his head. The basket had a bell that gave him the name 'Ghantewala'. The shop over the years became a permanent fixture in the lives of many local residents. Historian Sohail Hashmi, who has conducted food walks in Chandni Chowk recalls, 'I got addicted to Ghantewala's Sohan halwa in my college days. It was a routine for me to stop over at my friend's place in Ballimaran. We would walk from the campus, have lunch and invariably go to Ghantewala for the dessert.' Atam Aggarwal, an old resident of Navgraha Havelis in the Paranthe Wali Gali, reminisces saving money to buy sweets from the Ghantewala shop during his childhood days. 'The shop and its signature dish Sohan Halwa was so popular that when another shop with a similar name, Shahi Ghantewala, entered the market, it simply failed to build the connection with customers,' says Sohail. Post-liberalisation, several new players emerged as competitors with fusion sweets priced at a lesser rate. 'We also tried to tap into the fusion sweets category, but it didn't resonate with our customers who valued our originality and authenticity,' says Ritesh Gupta, head of operations at Ghantewala Confectioners. The outlet suffered a financial setback in 2015 and had to shut down. Customers called it the death of an icon and expressed their despair through emails and calls. It was the love and support, wrapped in nostalgia that rekindled courage in the family and led them to start the business again. In its second stint, the shop embraced changes to stay put by adding more variety of sweets. The director of Ghantewala, Aryan Jain, brought in his insights on food technology, raw material procurement and unit management. Rasik Kumar Patel, who has lived in Old Delhi since 1957, vouches for the Ghatewala Sohan Halwa. 'The sweet would be brought home for every occasion. I still crave it but today's generation does not value the taste; they would rather have some junk food, he says. The 'Ghanta' (bell) rings no more, but the customers find their way back for the taste wrapped in the warmth of memory. Festivals are the peak time for any sweet shop as it is for Ghantewala confectioners. Once famous only for Sohan halwa, it today offers a lot more. 'Gulab jamun and jeera kachori fly off our shelves, and so does pheni during Ramzan and Teej,' says Ritesh. Now with Raksha Bandhan round the corner, Ghantewala sweets will continue to bring families together in celebration.
India.com
28-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet two brothers who migrated to India from Pakistan, opened a sweet shop, and turned it into Rs 6000000000 empire, their names are...
Meet two brothers who migrated to India from Pakistan, opened a sweet shop, and turned it into Rs 6000000000 empire, their names are... Gurugram is known for its nightlife, delicious food, and multinational companies. People from Delhi and nearby places visit the Millennium City to experience the nightlife and delicious street food. But one sweet shop that has a special place in everyone's heart is Om Sweets. The sweet shop is so famous that people from other states urge their relatives to bring sweets from there when they visit their houses. The family behind this sweet shop has a very interesting legacy. Let's know how a simple Sohan Halwa transformed into a Rs 600 crore business — that too without losing its essence. How Wicker Baskets, Secret Recipe Transformed Into Food Empire What began with wicker baskets and a secret recipe has perfectly transformed into one of North India's most cherished food brands, into something that demonstrates that sweetness travels far when it is prepared with purpose. It all started with wicker baskets and some secret recipes. To know the story of Om Sweets, we have to cross the border and go to Pakistan's Multan where ancestors of the Kathuria family used to sell Sohan Halwa. Interestingly, they don't know how to make anything except the Halwa, so they perfected it. After partition, the family came to India, carrying their culinary legacy across the border. The Kathuria family started a halwa stall to earn their bread and butter. Later, the stall became a small shop located in Gurugram's Arjun Nagar. When their father passed away, Om Prakash took the responsibility of the family and left college to take care of the family business. What Makes Om Sweets Stand Out from the Rest? Converting a modest sweet shop into Rs 600 brand takes tremendous hard work and dedication. Om Sweets has changed itself with time, offering a variety of delicacies. Before assuming leadership, Ankit and Karan Kathuria gained hands-on experience at their family's business, working in all aspects of the operation, from food preparation to customer service. Today, the company features modern stores, specialised product lines, and emphasises online city-wide delivery. Both brothers are taking the brand to the international stage by exporting several delicacies to Dubai, Qatar, and many other regions to demonstrate how innovation is meeting traditions. How Om Sweets Competes With Bikanervala And Haldiram's? As we all know, India's sweet industry is highly competitive, with major players like Bikanervala and Haldiram's applying marketing strategies to capture the market. In contrast, Om Sweets' growth has been primarily organic, driven by reputation and local loyalty. However, strategic digital marketing, health-focused product development, and improved branding are now contributing to Om Sweets' increasing success.
Time Business News
10-06-2025
- Time Business News
Why Renting a Car in Multan with a Driver is Your Smartest Move
Multan. The very name evokes images of ancient history, towering shrines bathed in golden light, the sweet aroma of Sohan Halwa, and a sun that shines with an intensity unmatched by almost any other city in Pakistan. Known as the 'City of Saints,' Multan is a cultural and spiritual nucleus of Southern Punjab, a bustling metropolis where millennia of history meet modern commerce. But with its rich heritage comes a unique set of challenges for any traveler. The labyrinthine alleys of the old city, the pulsating energy of its bazaars, the notoriously hot climate, and the specific traffic etiquette can be overwhelming for a newcomer. This is where the decision to explore the city moves beyond simple logistics and becomes a choice about the quality of your experience. While you could attempt to navigate it all yourself, there is a far superior way to unlock the true essence of Multan: by renting a car with a professional driver. This isn't just a matter of convenience; it's about transforming your trip from a stressful endeavor into a seamless, enriching, and deeply personal journey. Not all cities are created equal, and Multan's unique character makes a private driver less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Here's why: 1. Conquering the Climate: Multan is famous for its scorching heat, with summer temperatures often soaring well above 40°C (104°F). Imagine stepping out of your hotel into this wall of heat, haggling with a rickshaw driver, and then traveling in a vehicle with no air conditioning. Now, picture this instead: a professional driver texts you that your car is ready. You walk out and slip into a pre-cooled, comfortable vehicle, with the AC already at full blast, ready to whisk you to your next destination. This single benefit can make the difference between an exhausting trip and an enjoyable one. 2. Navigating the Labyrinth: The Old City and Bazaars: The soul of Multan resides in its ancient walled city, the 'Androon Shehr.' This is where you'll find the magnificent shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, and the vibrant Hussain Agahi Bazaar. These areas are characterized by incredibly narrow, winding streets that are perpetually crowded with pedestrians, motorcycles, and carts. For an outsider, driving here is a recipe for stress and potential mishaps. A local driver, however, knows these streets intimately. They navigate them with an instinctual ease, aware of every shortcut, every no-go zone, and the unwritten rules of the road. 3. The Elusive Quest for Parking: Parking in Multan's commercial and historical centers is, to put it mildly, a nightmare. Circling endlessly for a spot near a popular shrine or in a busy market is a surefire way to waste precious time and energy. With a chauffeur, the concept of parking disappears from your concerns. You are dropped off directly at the entrance of your destination and picked up from the same spot when you're ready. This effortless 'door-to-door' service is invaluable, especially when you're on a tight schedule or carrying shopping bags. 4. Safety and Peace of Mind: For solo travelers, families with children, or international visitors, safety is paramount. Having a trusted local driver at your service provides an immense sense of security. You are in the hands of a vetted professional who is not only responsible for your safe transport but also acts as a protective presence, deterring unwanted attention and guiding you away from potentially unsafe areas. A great driver in Multan is much more than someone who simply operates the vehicle. They become an indispensable part of your travel experience, wearing multiple hats that add immeasurable value to your trip. The Local Guide: Forget generic tourist guides. Your driver is a source of authentic, local knowledge. Want to find the absolute best, most authentic Sohan Halwa that locals swear by? Ask your driver. Looking for the finest quality Multani Khussa (traditional footwear) or blue pottery without paying tourist prices? Your driver knows the shop. They can recommend restaurants, from high-end dining to the best street-side Sajji, tailored to your taste. Forget generic tourist guides. Your driver is a source of authentic, local knowledge. Want to find the absolute best, most authentic Sohan Halwa that locals swear by? Ask your driver. Looking for the finest quality Multani Khussa (traditional footwear) or blue pottery without paying tourist prices? Your driver knows the shop. They can recommend restaurants, from high-end dining to the best street-side Sajji, tailored to your taste. The Time-Saving Strategist: Local drivers possess a deep understanding of the city's rhythm. They know which routes to avoid during peak school or office hours, the best times to visit crowded shrines to avoid the biggest rush, and the most efficient order in which to visit your planned destinations. For a business traveler, this efficiency is gold. For a tourist, it means more time spent enjoying and less time stuck in traffic. Local drivers possess a deep understanding of the city's rhythm. They know which routes to avoid during peak school or office hours, the best times to visit crowded shrines to avoid the biggest rush, and the most efficient order in which to visit your planned destinations. For a business traveler, this efficiency is gold. For a tourist, it means more time spent enjoying and less time stuck in traffic. The Personal Assistant: Need to make a quick stop at an ATM, a pharmacy, or a mobile top-up shop? Just let your driver know. They handle these small but crucial errands with ease, making your journey completely seamless. They wait patiently while you explore a site for hours or attend a business meeting, always ready for your next command. The process of renting a car with a driver in Multan is straightforward, but a little due diligence goes a long way. 1. Select the Right Vehicle for Your Needs: Reputable rental companies offer a diverse fleet. Consider your requirements: Sedans (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic/City): Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or business professionals. They are comfortable, fuel-efficient, and offer a smooth ride. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or business professionals. They are comfortable, fuel-efficient, and offer a smooth ride. Compact SUVs (Kia Sportage, MG HS): Ideal for small families or those wanting a bit more space, comfort, and a commanding view of the road. Ideal for small families or those wanting a bit more space, comfort, and a commanding view of the road. Large SUVs & 4x4s (Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Revo): The best choice for larger families, groups, or if your itinerary includes travel to surrounding rural or rugged areas. The best choice for larger families, groups, or if your itinerary includes travel to surrounding rural or rugged areas. Vans (Toyota Hiace): Essential for large groups or families traveling together for events like weddings. 2. Understand the Pricing Structure: Typically, you will be quoted a daily rate. It's crucial to clarify what this includes: Driver's Fee: This is almost always included in the 'with driver' package. This is almost always included in the 'with driver' package. Fuel: Is the package 'with fuel' or 'without fuel'? A 'without fuel' package means you pay for fuel separately. For city travel, many companies offer a package with a set daily fuel allowance. Is the package 'with fuel' or 'without fuel'? A 'without fuel' package means you pay for fuel separately. For city travel, many companies offer a package with a set daily fuel allowance. Mileage Limits: Confirm if there is a daily mileage limit. This is especially important if you plan to travel outside Multan city. Confirm if there is a daily mileage limit. This is especially important if you plan to travel outside Multan city. Driver's Accommodation (for overnight trips): If you are keeping the car overnight for a multi-day trip, confirm the policy regarding the driver's food and lodging. Usually, a fixed nightly allowance is paid to the driver. 3. Vet the Company and the Driver: Choose a service known for its professionalism. Look for: Well-Maintained Cars: The vehicle should be clean, modern, and mechanically sound. A working AC is non-negotiable in Multan. The vehicle should be clean, modern, and mechanically sound. A working AC is non-negotiable in Multan. Professional Drivers: Drivers should be well-dressed, courteous, punctual, and non-intrusive. They should prioritize your safety and comfort. Drivers should be well-dressed, courteous, punctual, and non-intrusive. They should prioritize your safety and comfort. Transparency: A good company provides clear, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden charges. Imagine what your day could look like: 9:00 AM: Your driver picks you up from your hotel in a cool, clean sedan. First stop: the magnificent Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam . The driver drops you at the gate, finds a secure place to wait, and tells you to take your time. Your driver picks you up from your hotel in a cool, clean sedan. First stop: the magnificent . The driver drops you at the gate, finds a secure place to wait, and tells you to take your time. 11:00 AM: After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, you're ready for the next stop. A short, air-conditioned drive takes you to the adjacent Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya . After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, you're ready for the next stop. A short, air-conditioned drive takes you to the adjacent . 1:00 PM: You're getting hungry. You ask your driver for a recommendation for authentic Multani food. He takes you to a popular local spot you'd never have found on your own for some delicious chicken Sajji. You're getting hungry. You ask your driver for a recommendation for authentic Multani food. He takes you to a popular local spot you'd never have found on your own for some delicious chicken Sajji. 2:30 PM: It's time for some shopping. Your driver navigates the chaotic traffic and drops you at the entrance of the Hussain Agahi Bazaar . He points you towards the best shops for blue pottery and handicrafts. It's time for some shopping. Your driver navigates the chaotic traffic and drops you at the entrance of the . He points you towards the best shops for blue pottery and handicrafts. 4:30 PM: Laden with shopping bags, you emerge from the bazaar. Your driver is waiting exactly where he said he would be. He loads your purchases into the trunk, and you sink into the cool car, relieved to be out of the heat and crowds. Laden with shopping bags, you emerge from the bazaar. Your driver is waiting exactly where he said he would be. He loads your purchases into the trunk, and you sink into the cool car, relieved to be out of the heat and crowds. 5:00 PM: On the way back, you remember you need to buy some world-famous Multani Sohan Halwa. Your driver knows just the place—an old, renowned shop, not a commercial factory. This entire day is effortless, efficient, and rich with authentic experiences, all because you had a local expert handling the logistics. Conclusion: The Smartest Investment for Your Multan Trip To rent a car in Multan with a driver is to invest in your comfort, safety, and the overall quality of your experience. It frees you from the stress of navigation, parking, and the unforgiving climate, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the profound history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of the City of Saints. It turns a potentially challenging trip into a memorable adventure, leaving you with nothing but fond memories of this incredible Pakistani jewel. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
