Voyagers World: Conversing with Ms. Vrinda Agrawal, Founder of Chaat Bistro

Published on Voyagers World on September 6, 2024 by Natasha Sreeranj

Chaat Bistro by mayori, Jaipur offers an unparalleled journey of Indian street food. Located in the heart of Jaipur, Chaat Bistro promises a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich varieties of flavours that define Indian street cuisine. At Chaat Bistro, every dish is a story that unfolds the journey of Indian street food ranging from the bustling lanes of Bombay to the vibrant markets of Ahmedabad. The menu at Chaat Bistro is a harmonious fusion of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavours, summing up the very essence of Indian cuisine. Each dish is crafted to perfection, offering a burst of flavour that is both simple and soulful. The diverse menu features specialties from Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Ahmedabad, Banaras, Jaipur, and Chennai, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of these vibrant cities.

Ms. Vrinda Agrawal, Founder of Chaat Bistro speaks to Voyager’s World in an exclusive interview.

What inspired you to open Chaat Bistro in Jaipur, and how do you feel it stands out from other Indian street food ventures?

Chaat Bistro is an extension of my home kitchen, where the flavours of authentic Indian cuisine come alive amidst the warmth of family and friends. The inspiration stemmed from our meals together, surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a diverse array of dishes from different parts of India and beyond. Chaat Bistro stands out by offering a unique experience—it’s a canvas of Indian street food showcasing authentic chaats from seven distinct cities under one roof. Unlike typical establishments that offer a general selection of chaat, we pride ourselves on delivering authentic dishes from cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, Kolkata, Benaras, and Jaipur, each with its own traditional preparation methods.

Could you tell us more about the thought process behind the diverse regional selections on your menu? How did you choose the cities and dishes to represent?

Early on in life, I had the privilege of living in and experiencing various parts of India, which exposed me to a rich tapestry of regional foods and cooking styles. This diverse exposure fuelled my fascination with regional flavours. The cities represented in Chaat Bistro each hold a special place in my heart, either through personal connections and experiences, or frequent visits. For instance, Mumbai is where I was born, Chennai is where I moved after marriage, and Indore is where I spent many childhood holidays. Ahmedabad is linked to my Gujarati friends; Kolkata has strong family ties and Benaras is where my in-laws are from.

And lastly, Jaipur is now home. Each city’s unique chaat recipes have been carefully chosen based on these personal connections and my extensive culinary exploration. These chaat offerings are an ode to every city that holds a special place in my heart.

Chaat Bistro is described as more than just a dining experience, but a journey through Indian street food. Can you elaborate on how you have created this immersive experience for your guests?

Chaat Bistro was conceived out of my passion and love for vibrant, flavourful food that resonates with the Indian palate. Our goal is to offer guests a nostalgic culinary journey through authentic chaats, reminiscent of the traditional street food experience, but presented in a modern, hygienic, clean, and sophisticated setting. For instance, our paani puri platter evokes the same fond memories of street vendors, yet offers the convenience of a refined dining experience and modern presentation without the need to stand in line.

The menu features dishes from various parts of India, from Mumbai to Chennai. How do you ensure the authenticity of these regional flavours?

My personal experience living in or frequently visiting these cities has allowed me to deeply understand the true essence of their authentic chaat preparations. These deep personal connections, coupled with a strong network of family and friends residing in these cities provides ongoing insights and access to fresh, regional ingredients, ensuring that the flavours we serve remain true to their origins. This blend of personal knowledge and reliable sourcing helps us maintain the authenticity of our regional dishes.

In what ways do you hope to evoke nostalgia for those familiar with Indian street food, while also appealing to newcomers trying it for the first time?

Chaat is all about vibrant flavours—tangy, sweet, sour, and crunchy—which evoke strong memories. Eating chaat is a cherished experience in India, and we at Chaat Bistro strive to recreate those cherished memories, while for newcomers, we offer a welcoming introduction to these beloved flavours and create new memories. Hence, our offerings cater to both nostalgic guests and newcomers, providing a space where people can enjoy their favourite chaats while also introducing others to these beloved flavours. Chai and chaat are often considered a perfect combination and Chaat Bistro is conceptualized to be a place where cherished traditions are celebrated and new memories are made, making it a perfect venue for enjoying chaat with friends and family.

What are your future plans for Chaat Bistro? Are there any upcoming expansions or new concepts in the works?

We are thrilled with the significant success Chaat Bistro has achieved thus far and are exploring expansion opportunities, both within India and internationally, with numerous franchise offers coming in. Additionally, we have had success with regional food pop-ups, such as the recent one featuring Banarasi cuisine and are excited about continuing the same. These pop-ups have been well-received, and we plan to build on this success by introducing more regional specialties and exploring new concepts to further enrich our culinary offerings.

by Natasha Sreeranj, Assistant Editor, Voyagers World