When Sourabh Khandelwal moved to Hyderabad for work, he quickly noticed a gap that only widened at the end of long, tiring days. He often found himself craving the familiar taste of Dahibara, a beloved street food from Delhi. But in a city known for its own rich food culture, finding this simple, comforting dish proved nearly impossible.

That everyday struggle to reconnect with the flavours of home led to an idea. In 2023, Sourabh launched Dahibara Express — a food venture built around one core belief: that people shouldn’t have to leave their favourite hometown dishes behind when they move. His goal is to make regional street food from across India easily accessible in every corner of the country — and eventually, around the world.

“If you have your own brand, your growth is in your hands — even if it’s risky”

Sourabh didn’t plan to enter the food industry — it happened because of what life demanded. Growing up in a small village in Odisha, he lost his father when he was just 18. With the pressure of supporting himself, he had to make a quick, practical decision. “I wanted to study a course that would help me earn while studying to fund my education,” shares Sourabh. That’s how he ended up choosing hotel management.

While studying, he worked part-time in Bhubaneswar and noticed something about the industry that bothered him. “A waiter remains one for 20 years, despite the knowledge and skill that they own,” adds Sourabh. This thought stayed with him.

He began to understand that real growth might only come from building something of your own. “I figured out that having your brand increases the prospects of growth despite the risks it comes with,” Sourabh shares, and the idea stuck with him.

Even before finishing college, Sourabh started a real estate consulting company. “I had 70 employees in my company, and we were leasing out properties for clients,” Sourabh........

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