ChakhdeChole has transformed the classic Indian street food experience with its innovative vending machines designed to deliver Delhi-style Chole Kulche—one of the country’s most beloved dishes—in just one minute. Founded by Sagar Malhotra, a Cambridge graduate and former banker, the business combines the flavors of nostalgia with modern technology for a street food revolution.
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How did Sagar’s Cambridge experience trigger the vending machine idea for Chakhdechole
Sagar Malhotra’s experience at Cambridge University profoundly influenced his decision to create the Chakh De Chole vending machine. During his senior management program at Cambridge in 2023, Sagar interacted with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and bloggers who were pursuing projects beyond their conventional careers. Seeing these individuals take risks and succeed outside traditional paths sparked his realization that he too could pursue his passion.
This environment of innovation and ambition at Cambridge motivated Sagar to rethink his career trajectory. Despite holding a high-ranking position in banking, he always felt a desire to do something entrepreneurial—especially connected to his love for authentic Delhi-style Chhole Kulche. The Cambridge exposure gave him the confidence to channel this passion into a business idea. He observed that vending machines, much like in Western countries, could solve problems of hygiene, time, and consistency in Indian street food, which he personally missed while living in other cities.
Inspired by his Cambridge peers’ drive to transform their interests into real ventures, Sagar returned with a renewed vision: to build an automated vending machine that could deliver the same authentic taste, but with the hygiene, speed, and reliability lacking in regular food stalls. He immersed himself in self-learning and experimentation, leading to the launch of Chakh De Chole in 2024—a direct result of the entrepreneurial mindset fostered at Cambridge.
In short, Cambridge did not give Sagar the technical blueprint for the vending machine, but it triggered the belief and motivation that real-world problems—even ones as personal as food cravings—could be solved through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Milestones of Chakhdechole:
First outlet in Rajouri Garden, Delhi
Expansion to Vikaspuri, Bengaluru, and Jaipur
Machine delivers fresh plate in 60 seconds
Customizable spice levels and bread variety
Why ChakhdeChole Stands Out
Speed: Get a hot, fresh plate in just 60 seconds
Hygiene: Automated machine ensures cleanliness, eliminating street food risks
Customization: Pick your spice level and choice of bread
Innovation: First-of-its-kind vending machine food experience in India
What customization and spice-level options does Chakh De Chole offer
Chakh De Chole offers a variety of customization and spice-level options to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Customers can choose:
Spice Levels: Mild, medium, or super spicy, allowing personal control over heat and flavor intensity.
Bread Choices: Classic maida (refined flour) kulcha or whole wheat kulcha (atta), supporting both taste preference and nutrition-conscious choices.
Serving Style: Each plate is customizable and comes with a mix of tangy chutneys and crunchy pickles for a full authentic experience.
This customization—spanning spice and bread options—is designed into the vending machine’s interface, blending tradition with technology while retaining the comfort and nostalgia of true Delhi-style chole kulche.
Location and Ordering Chakhdechole
ChakhdeChole currently operates outlets in Rajouri Garden and Vikaspuri (Delhi), with ongoing expansion to Jaipur and Bengaluru. Plates start at ₹49 and are available via prominent delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.
How scalable is the vending machine model for expansion into other cities
The Chakh De Chole vending machine model is highly scalable for expansion into other cities, supported by several industry trends and technological advantages:
Low Overhead & Cost-Effective Deployment: Vending machines eliminate major costs like real estate leases and staffing. Machines can be placed in high-traffic areas such as malls, metro stations, universities, offices, and airports with modest investment.
Remote Centralized Management: Modern vending machines offer cloud-based management and real-time data collection, enabling inventory tracking, sales monitoring, and maintenance scheduling from one location. This supports scaling into multiple cities without costly on-site management.
Adaptable Product Offerings: Machines can flexibly cater to local tastes with region-specific menu customizations and spice levels, attracting a wider customer base as the brand expands.
Rapid Expansion Capability: Once a successful model is proven in one city, machines can be duplicated and installed in new markets efficiently. Brands like Chakh De Chole can scale city-to-city without the complexity of opening full-service outlets.
24/7 Accessibility: Vending machines operate round the clock, maximizing sales opportunities and brand visibility in any location.
Data-Driven Optimization: Continuous insights from sales and consumer preferences help tailor offerings and fine-tune machine locations, driving better performance as the network grows.
What is the origin story behind Chakh De Chole and its vending machine idea
Chakh De Chole’s origin story centers around Sagar Malhotra, a former banker and Cambridge graduate from Delhi. Growing up in West Delhi, Sagar developed a deep love for Chhole Kulche, a quintessential North Indian street food. While living and working in different cities such as Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, Sagar realized he missed the authentic taste and consistent quality of Delhi’s Chhole Kulche.
Despite a successful 14-year banking career, Sagar was dissatisfied with the hygiene and unpredictable taste he found at typical roadside Chhole Kulche stalls. Inspired during a senior management program at Cambridge—where he met people pursuing unique ventures—Sagar decided to channel his food passion into a business. He wanted to solve two major challenges: hygiene and consistency. Thus, the idea of building an automated vending machine was born.
Sagar had no engineering background, but his determination drove him to spend an entire year studying electronics, speaking to experts, and experimenting. He faced over 40 failed attempts while developing the perfect food-grade machine that could reliably prepare hundreds of plates per day without manual intervention. The vending machine was finally ready in November 2024, and Sagar launched it through his startup, Chakh De Chole, in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden and Vikaspuri areas.
The machine uses technology similar to a coffee maker, storing different varieties of Chhole and offering customizable spice levels and bread choices—maida or whole wheat. Sagar initially kept the machine’s identity secret, letting the food speak for itself. Once customers loved the taste and hygiene, he revealed the source, and Chakh De Chole quickly gained popularity for revolutionizing street food in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ChakhdeChole?
ChakhdeChole is a food startup operating India’s first Chole Kulche vending machine, founded by Sagar Malhotra, aiming to deliver hygienic and tasty street food rapidly.
2. Where are ChakhdeChole outlets located?
Outlets are currently in Rajouri Garden and Vikaspuri (Delhi), with plans to expand to Bengaluru and Jaipur soon.
3. How does the vending machine work?
The machine dispenses customizable Chole Kulche plates—choose spice levels and breads—and serves your meal in just 60 seconds.
4. Can I order ChakhdeChole online?
Yes, ChakhdeChole plates are available on Zomato and Swiggy for delivery.
5. What makes ChakhdeChole different from regular street vendors?
ChakhdeChole ensures unmatched hygiene, consistent taste, customization, and lightning-fast service with automated, modern technology.
“For authentic Delhi-style Chole Kulche served with speed, hygiene, and customization, ChakhdeChole stands at the forefront of India’s street food revolution. Whether eating at the outlet or ordering online, it’s a flavor journey you shouldn’t miss.”
