Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
Chowman restaurant headquartered in Kolkata and known for its delectable Chinese, has set foot in Hyderabad. Located in the vibrant Madhapur area, the restaurant is already a hit among Hyderabad’s food lovers, effectively addressing the city’s yearning for high-quality Chinese cuisine.
Chowman celebrated the opening of its 35th outlet in Delhi NCR and is now ambitiously planning nationwide expansion. In addition to its growth, the brand has set its sights on an IPO in the near future, marking a significant milestone in its journey.
Debaditya Chaudhury, Managing Director, Chowman, shares the inspiration behind the expansion, “We noticed that Chowman could break the existing food market scenario, pioneering as the third category, fitting in between the polar opposites of fine-dining and street-side markets. We became the first-ever brand to give people the experience of ‘democratised fine-dining’—a fine-dining experience at affordable prices for the middle class without having to worry about fine-dining etiquettes.”
Upon entering Chowman Hyderabad, guests are welcomed by an ambiance that perfectly blends contemporary chic with traditional Chinese decor. The interior boasts soft lighting, wooden furnishings, and subtle oriental touches, creating an inviting atmosphere suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
“In 2020, when we saw that all markets were declining, we decided to expand beyond Kolkata because our intention was to ignite hope in the masses. We wanted to expand this affordable fine-dining experience across all the metropolitan cities where fine-dining was only restricted to the upper-class gentry,” Chaudhury explains. “And based on the current market scenario, we noticed that Bengaluru and Hyderabad were in dire need of better Chinese cuisine, and there was a huge scope for us to tap into that market.
On the other hand, in Delhi, where Chinese is almost a ruling cuisine after North Indian, it was the demand of the people for Chinese at affordable rates which enabled us to open an outlet there.
So far we have expanded with over 35 outlets across Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad. The next cities on our list are Pune, Chandigarh, Chennai, and Mumbai, followed by Tier-2 Cities.”
The menu at Chowman features a wide array of Chinese and Thai dishes, prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Steamed Momos shaped as dim sum parcels filled with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, are a must-try, offering a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
For the main course, one can embark on a flavourful journey with the Kung Pao Chicken. This Sichuan classic features perfectly cooked chicken, stir-fried with peanuts and bell peppers, bathed in a rich sauce that delivers a delightful balance of heat and sweet. Seafood enthusiasts will find solace in the Crispy Chilli Fish bhetki, a dish that boasts a beautiful golden crisp exterior and a tangy, spicy sauce that tantalises the taste buds. The Hakka Noodles and Fried Rice of Chowman are notably good.
Vegetarians have plenty of options, including the Tofu in Hot Garlic Sauce, which features soft tofu in a rich, flavorful garlic sauce. The beverage menu offers a range of mocktails and traditional teas to complement the meal.
When asked about franchising, Chaudhury asserts, “We will stick to a no-franchise policy as that may disrupt the authenticity and quality that Chowman philosophises.”
The commitment to maintaining authentic quality is evident in every dish served at Chowman. From the meticulously prepared dim sum to the robust flavors of the Kung Pao Chicken, each item on the menu reflects a dedication to preserving traditional Chinese culinary techniques. This unwavering focus on authenticity has set Chowman apart as a distinguished name in the Chinese and Thai cuisine landscape.
Chaudhury outlines the funding strategy, “We are investing through the reserve fund for the expansion plan. We completely rely on our reserve fund and depend on no further investor as such.”
This self-funded approach underscores Chowman’s financial independence and strategic planning. By leveraging internal resources, Chowman ensures complete control over its growth trajectory, maintaining the brand’s integrity and quality. This method not only highlights the company’s robust financial health but also reflects its confidence in the brand’s sustainable success and long-term vision.
Discussing long-term goals, Chaudhury says, “We are now focusing on our expansion across Pune, Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai, followed by Tier-2 cities. We will also enlist ourselves for IPO.”
Chaudhury also reveals plans for other ventures, “I am planning to extend our expansions with the sister brand, Oudh, which is already present across Kolkata and Delhi-NCR with over 14 outlets. I will further try to enhance and look for possible openings for my third brand, Chapter 2,” he concluded.
asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in
