In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose touch with the simple joys that once defined our childhood. We have been big fans of street food and over the last 8 years what we have missed the most is the authentic street food of India. We have also wished what if there was a chai shop with vegetable fritters known locally as Bhajji when we wait to get our vehicle fixed. Yet, in a hidden corner of Hamilton downtown humbly stands Chaat-ter Box, where a treasure trove of memories awaits discovery. Here, it’s not just about the burst of flavors but about the flood of memories that accompany each crunchy, tangy, and spicy mouthful. Let us get to hear more from Ekta Patel, the founder/owner of this exciting chain.
Hi Ekta, first of all welcome to Hamilton, we are all so excited about Chaat-ter box being here. So tell us how chaat-ter box happened?
I came to Canada as a student. Like everyone, I also started missing food back home. I tried many restaurants but brought that true Desi experience to me. Nothing beat the vibe or satisfaction that came back home. So, I decided to offer something that will bring you closer to home and make it as authentic as possible.
It is not so easy to serve live paani poori, what are some challenges you faced in your journey?
I have had the experience of working part-time across some popular food chains which had prepared me mentally when I decided to start Chaat-ter box. I had to face a lot of regulatory challenges to serving live paani poori as the food regulations in Canada are a lot more stricter. In order to ensure authenticity, I have also faced some challenges from the suppliers to get fresh ingredients sourced from India. Sometimes there is a longer wait time for customers to be served fresh live Paani Poori, which needs patience on our end to keep them happy.
So what has been your word to your employee about the customer service?
For any business to run successfully it is important to keep your customers happy. We plan to keep them happy through the quality of service we offer and the authentic street food experience. As you could see, despite the crowd we always wear a smile on our face and ensure that the needs of the customers are met with 100% satisfaction.
What would you recommend your customers from your menu? (Recommeded by Ekta and Rated by Vyas-on-keys)
Besides the Paani poori that comes along with 7 types of water, I would recommend the following food to my customers which I am sure will satisfy their taste palettes.
Masala Puffs: A delectable and savory snack that tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect blend of spices encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry. A must try.
Aloo Tikki Burger: The perfect replacement for the McAloo Tikki burger from India. If you miss this from back home, go for this, you won’t regret. A must try.
Mango moose, a tropical delight with velvety texture, vibrant mango flavor, and a heavenly, indulgent sweetness. A must try.
Dabeli consists of a spiced and mashed potato filling, seasoned with a unique blend of masalas. This flavorful mixture is then generously stuffed between a pav, a soft and slightly sweet bread roll. A good try.
Any final words or advice for budding female entrepreneurs?
Don’t be bogged down by any challenge. Follow your dreams and passion with wholeheartedness, success will follow you.
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