Hard work and a unique taste can transform even a small venture into a remarkable success story. Balmukund, a resident of Sanjay Nagar in Balod, Chhattisgarh, exemplifies this journey through his popular street food stall. Affectionately known by locals as 'Khatra Bhaiya Chana Wale', he once worked as a hotel employee before stepping out on his own to launch a chana charpati bhel business with a meager investment of just 700 rupees. Today, his stall consumes around 9 kilograms of chickpeas daily, yielding an average net profit of 2000 rupees every single day.
Transitioning From Hotel Work To Entrepreneurship
Before establishing his own roadside business, Balmukund earned his living working in a local hotel where he prepared dosas. For his labor, he received a modest daily wage of about 200 rupees. Driven by an aspiration to become self-employed, he eventually quit the hotel job and set up his chana bhel stall. Initially, he operated out of Dalli Chowk in Balod city, but he has since relocated his setup near the Electricity Office, where a steady stream of customers continues to find him.
The Secret Recipe That Captivates The City
The standout feature of Balmukund's business is the distinct flavor of his chana bhel, which is unavailable anywhere else in Balod. Food lovers from all 20 wards of the city travel specifically to taste it. To achieve this signature flavor, he uses kabuli chana as the base, blending it with cashews, almonds, date chutney, and tamarind chutney. Freshly chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, and green chilies are then added. The crowning touch is his proprietary secret spice mix, which gives the bhel its unmatched taste and sets it apart from standard street food.
A Favorite Spot For Politicians And Local Leaders
The popularity of the stall extends well beyond regular neighborhood residents, drawing local politicians and ministers who enjoy the flavor. Because the shop is situated near the local guest house, politicians frequently visit the area and stop by. Former MLA Bhaiya Ram Sinha is also known to be a fan of the chat served here. The steady patronage from prominent figures highlights how widely appreciated the snack has become across the community.
Daily Operations And Financial Growth
The stall operates every evening from 4 PM to 10 PM, offering a plate of chana bhel to customers for just 20 rupees. With nearly 9 kilograms of chickpeas sold each day, the business generates strong and consistent revenue. Balmukund notes that what began as a low-cost experiment has transformed into a reliable livelihood. According to him, continuous hard work, uncompromising taste, and the enduring trust of his customers form the absolute core of his success.
