As winter temperatures dip across Balod in Chhattisgarh, food lovers are converging in large numbers on local street stalls to relish steaming evening snacks. Sunny Dhimar's egg roll centre, situated near the local post office, has transformed into a bustling hotspot for non-vegetarian street food enthusiasts. Patrons visit the stall in steady streams to savour freshly fried egg rolls and spicy chilli chicken during chilly evenings. What began nearly two decades ago with a modest seed capital of just Rs 5000 has steadily evolved into a flourishing eatery that processes hundreds of eggs and kilos of poultry daily.
Rented cart beginnings and the journey from Rs 7 rolls
The entrepreneurial venture traces its roots back roughly 19 years, when Sunny Dhimar rented an ordinary pushcart, gathered basic cooking utensils, and started rolling out snacks. The early phase involved considerable perseverance, as establishing regular footfall was slow and demanding. During those opening years, an egg roll was sold for merely Rs 7. Over time, word of mouth spread across the neighbourhood, drawing more patrons who appreciated the distinct flavour. As overall operational expenses and ingredient costs grew across the years, menu pricing was gradually adjusted. Today, the stall retails a single-egg roll for Rs 35, while a double-egg variant is priced at Rs 50.
Cold weather surges demand to 9 egg crates and 10 kg chilli chicken
The onset of winter has significantly amplified customer demand for warm, savoury fare. Sunny's stall currently records an average daily consumption of around 9 crates of eggs. With each crate holding 30 eggs, the team utilizes approximately 270 eggs every single day to assemble rolls for evening diners. Alongside the rolls, the counter prepares and serves roughly 10 kg of chilli chicken per day. This combination of warming seasonal items ensures a lively rush of visitors from dusk until late evening, keeping the griddles continuously occupied.
Building reputation on hygiene, team effort, and distinct taste
Although Balod has several eateries serving rolls and fast food, Sunny's establishment has retained customer loyalty primarily through high cleanliness standards and dependable flavours. Managing the preparation, frying, and customer handling requires coordination among a team of 5 to 7 workers. Operating daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, the stall remains packed with diners seeking quick evening meals. Nineteen years of persistent dedication, small initial funds, and an emphasis on customer satisfaction have turned this humble roadside initiative into one of Balod's most recognized food destinations.
