Via Calcutta Franchise Cost – How to get, Contact, Apply, Fee

Via Calcutta: Bringing Authentic Kolkata Chaats to Mumbai

Mumbai, a city celebrated for its cosmopolitan vibrance, is home to a diverse culinary landscape. Yet, among the myriad of dining experiences it offers, Via Calcutta stands out as a beacon of authenticity in the realm of street food. With two bustling outlets, one in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, and the other in Mahavir Nagar, Kandivali West, Via Calcutta has become synonymous with the quintessential flavors of Kolkata’s beloved chaats. This journey of culinary excellence began in 2016, led by the dynamic father-son duo Anil Kumar and Vivek Kanodia.

The Genesis of Via Calcutta

The name "Via Calcutta" itself is a nod to nostalgia. While Kolkata, the city formerly known as Calcutta, has a significant emotional resonance, the name "Calcutta" evokes a sense of tradition and heritage that the founders wanted to preserve. "Calcutta" carries a warmth and historical richness that aligns with the essence of their culinary vision.

Anil Kumar and Vivek Kanodia, a family with a deep-seated passion for food, were long-time residents of Kolkata’s Theatre Road before relocating to Mumbai in 2010. The move to Mumbai triggered a craving for the distinctive flavors of Kolkata’s street food, which they found difficult to satisfy in their new city. This longing led them to transform their passion into a culinary venture. Thus, Via Calcutta was born out of a desire to recreate the street food experience they cherished so dearly.

The Via Calcutta Experience

Via Calcutta’s offerings are a tribute to Kolkata’s rich street food culture. The menu is a carefully curated selection of the city’s iconic street foods, including phuchkas (also known as puchkas or panipuri), jhalmuri, ghugni, moong dal chilla, sabji kachouri, moong dal vada, and samosas. Each dish is crafted to capture the authentic flavors that define Kolkata's vibrant food scene.

Phuchkas, for instance, are a highlight of their menu. These are crispy hollow puris filled with a tangy, spicy mix of tamarind water, chickpeas, and spices. The texture and taste are designed to reflect the street-side phuchkas from Vivekananda Park and other iconic Kolkata locations. Another beloved item is jhalmuri, a spicy puffed rice snack mixed with vegetables and tangy tamarind.

A unique aspect of Via Calcutta’s menu is its dedication to vegetarian fare. While traditional Kolkata street food often includes meat options, Via Calcutta remains 100% vegetarian, focusing on the rich variety of vegetarian street snacks available. Future plans include introducing vegetarian rolls and dhaba-style dishes, expanding their menu while maintaining their core identity.

A Commitment to Authenticity

The success of Via Calcutta lies in its unwavering commitment to authenticity. This dedication is visible in several key aspects of their operation:

1. Ingredients: Every ingredient, barring fresh vegetables, is meticulously sourced from Kolkata. This includes items like muri (puffed rice), which is notoriously challenging to transport but is crucial for maintaining the distinct flavor profile of their dishes. This careful selection of ingredients ensures that every bite delivers the genuine taste of Kolkata.
2. Staff: The team at Via Calcutta is predominantly composed of individuals from Kolkata. This decision was made with the understanding that experience and familiarity with local street food are crucial for maintaining the authenticity of the flavors. Vivek Kanodia personally scoured Kolkata to recruit skilled street-food hawkers who bring their expertise and nuanced understanding of flavor to Mumbai.
3. Quality Control: Anil Kumar, the official taster, plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of the food. With over five decades of experience in Kolkata, he ensures that every dish meets the high standards of color, smell, and flavor that define authentic Kolkata street food.

Achievements and recognition

In just six years, Via Calcutta has achieved significant milestones, serving high-profile figures including ministers and Bollywood celebrities. One of their proudest achievements was serving as the Prime Minister of India, a testament to their dedication to quality and authenticity.

The business model

Via Calcutta operates with a clear and efficient business model that has proven successful in the competitive food industry:

• Training and Consistency: Rigorous training and detailed manuals are provided to avoid variance in taste. This ensures that each outlet maintains the same high standard of food quality.
• Freshness and Hygiene: The emphasis on fresh food, prepared daily, means there is no need for preservatives. The food is served with the highest level of hygiene, reflecting their commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
• Efficiency: The quick-serve model facilitates faster customer turnover, an important factor in busy urban locations. Cooking is done using induction methods, eliminating the use of open flames and enhancing safety and efficiency.
• Financial Viability: With a low breakeven point and a solid annual earning potential of 30%–40%, Via Calcutta offers a robust financial model for its franchisees. Additionally, the fixed royalty structure ensures that payments do not escalate with sales increases, making it a stable investment.

Franchise Opportunities

For those interested in becoming a part of the Via Calcutta family, the franchise model is both appealing and practical.

• Location Requirements: The ideal franchise location should be a 300 sq. ft. carpet area with an additional 200 sq. ft. otla (veranda), ideally on the ground floor and road-facing, situated in a prime location.
• Operational Model: The franchise model promises a well-defined structure, from setup to daily operations, ensuring that franchisees can replicate the success of existing outlets.

Via Calcutta is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary bridge between Kolkata and Mumbai. The commitment to authenticity, from the sourcing of ingredients to the recruitment of skilled staff, ensures that every dish served is a genuine representation of Kolkata’s street food culture. With its emphasis on quality, hygiene, and efficiency, Via Calcutta not only satisfies a craving but also offers a unique and consistent taste of Kolkata in the heart of Mumbai. For anyone yearning for the flavors of Kolkata, Via Calcutta is a must-visit destination, promising an unforgettable street food experience.