Chandigarh, March 24, 2026: Chhota Banaras, a unique culinary concept inspired by the timeless ethos of Banaras, has officially launched its new outlet in Sector 8, Chandigarh. The launch was marked by a curated tasting session, offering an immersive experience of the brand’s philosophy, cuisine and people.
Located at SCO 28–29, Madhya Marg, the outlet exemplifies a thoughtful attempt to recreate not just the food but the feeling of Banaras, a city known for its simplicity, depth and unhurried way of life, said Monica Rani, who heads women section at Chhota Banaras, Sector 8, during a media interaction.
According to her, Chhota Banaras is built around the idea that Banaras is not merely a place, but a lived experience. It represents a slower, more mindful way of living where food is prepared with patience and authenticity, and traditions are practiced daily rather than preserved as nostalgia, she said.
Talking about women empowerment at the core of Chhota Banaras Sector 8 outlet, Rani said: “There is no doubt that a defining feature of Sector 8 outlet is its strong focus on women empowerment. The outlet employs a workforce of around 20 women, nearly 80 per cent of whom have stepped into a professional environment for the first time.”
These women, namely, Muni, Sushila, Deepa and Sumna, come from nearby areas such as Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Lahora, and Nayagaon and are actively involved in all aspects of food preparation - from grinding spices and preparing ingredients to creating signature dishes and in-house masalas like pav bhaji blends.
In reply to a question, Monica said: “More than employment, the initiative fosters dignity, confidence and financial independence. The brand strongly believes that food carries the energy and sincerity of those who prepare it, making this women-led effort integral to the Chhota Banaras experience.”
The menu at Chhota Banaras is inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Banaras, offering a range of traditional and comfort dishes including Channa Bhatura, Aloo Puri, Kachori with Aloo Sabzi and select south Indian offerings.
According to Chef Umesh Yadav, the beverage selection complements the food with nostalgic Indian favourites such as Gulkand shake, sweet lassi, Badam milk and Nimbu Pani along with a fermented option, that is, Mint Kombucha.
Chef Yadav said that traditional methods are followed rigorously including the daily preparation of khoya in iron pot and slow cooking in copper and brass utensils. “We use single-source cow milk and incorporates bio-dynamism technology water sourced from Auroville,” he said.
With focus on purity, Yadav said, Chhota Banaras distinguishes itself through its commitment to authentic ingredients and time-honoured cooking practices. All food is prepared using desi khaand instead of refined sugar and cooked in cold-pressed oils, he added.
The Chief Chef further revealed that the bakery and sweets section features at Chhota Banaras at its Sector 8 outlet are freshly prepared items and traditional Indian mithais, crafted with the same emphasis on purity and quality.
Talking about accessible dining experience, Chef Yadav said that Chhota Banaras offers a wholesome dining experience for two including beverages and dessert, priced between Rs 600 and Rs 700 inclusive of taxes, making it both authentic and accessible.
Sharing details on expansion plans in the pipeline, Monica Rani and Chef Yadav said: “Chhota Banaras is set to expand its presence across the tricity region. The next phase includes upcoming o…
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