In the heart of bustling Hyderabad, where foodies are spoilt for choice, one entrepreneur dared to think differently. Abha Singhal, the brain behind Khichdi Express, transformed a humble dish into a thriving multi-crore business. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Born into a Marwari family in Mumbai, Abha’s journey was never meant to be ordinary. At the tender age of 12, her parents’ separation brought upheaval, introducing her to the complexities of a new family dynamic. Yet, her father’s unwavering commitment to education ensured she attended some of Mumbai’s finest schools.
Undaunted by life’s challenges, Abha set her sights on higher education. With her academic prowess and state-level basketball skills, she earned a partial scholarship for an MBA course in London. Moreover, Abha adeptly managed multiple part-time jobs, illuminating her early dedication to industriousness and adaptability.
Returning to Mumbai, she was expected to join the family business. But Abha had other plans. Armed with ambition and sheer determination, she left her lavish Mumbai home with just two pairs of clothes and no financial safety net. Her destination? A small studio apartment, where she would go on to create history.
The transition from luxury to modesty was marked by nights spent sleeping on a humble 500 Rs mattress. An old shoe rack doubled as her cupboard, and the floor became her bed. These were trying times, but Abha remained resolute. With khichdi as her ever-reliable companion, she lived by the belief that “no mud, no lotus.” These early experiences formed the foundation of her journey.
Abha ventured into the corporate world, landing a marketing role. However, fate had something different in store. Spotted by an advertising director, she entered the world of modeling and acting, featuring in prominent TV commercials and ad campaigns for prestigious brands. The glamorous world of the entertainment industry, while exciting, was far from stable.
Amidst contemplation, Abha’s life took a turn as she met Mahendra Kumar, a mutual friend turned co-founder. He tasted her homemade khichdi and was instantly enamored by its rich flavors. Encouraged by him, Abha embarked on a new journey, creating what would soon be known as “Khichdi Express“
In a world where khichdi was stereotyped as food for the unwell, Abha’s restaurant idea initially drew laughter and skepticism. The prevailing notion was, “Who will eat khichdi? It’s for the sick, not for business.” Undeterred, Abha listened to her heart and opened her first Khichdi Express outlet in Hyderabad with just 3 lakh Rs and a staff of two.
The success of Khichdi Express was swift, winning the hearts of customers of all ages. Six months later, a second branch opened in Mumbai. The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly propelled the brand further, as patients in hospitals and isolation centers turned to khichdi for nourishment. In a time when many businesses faltered, Khichdi Express thrived. Abha’s commitment extended to distributing free khichdi to the homeless and patients. She won the Women Entrepreneur Award in 2022
The taste and healing properties of Khichdi Express quickly garnered recognition. Abha’s dedication paid off, with the business expanding rapidly across Hyderabad and Mumbai, reaching a valuation of 50 crores in just four years. Remarkably, this success story is entirely bootstrapped, with no external funding received yet.
Abha’s vision extends far beyond national boundaries. She aspires to turn Khichdi Express into a global brand, akin to McDonald’s and KFC. With the rising demand for khichdi as India’s comfort food, Abha foresees an opportunity to scale her business to a unicorn level, opening 300 branches across India and internationally.
Abha’s journey is a testament to breaking societal barriers and taking risks.She exemplifies the power of determination and the ability to overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of one’s dreams.
Today, Khichdi Express stands as a successful Indian startup, serving a variety of authentic khichdis, and is well on its way to becoming a unicorn.
