A Little Chaat for the Chat...

My search for a observatory project for this blog (and craving for good samosas :P) led me to a small Snack shop in Mahaballipuram , “Uday Snacks Chat Items”. The shop is in the centre of the market place...  just opposite The Shopping Complex.

Origin and History:

The Owner Mr. Uday (did not tell his last name and I did not bother asking) was born and brought up in a small village in Bihar. He moved to Chennai 12 years ago and opened a small North Indian Snack shop here in Mahaballipuram.

He has been working here since and has been supporting his family of six by the revenues of this shop. He now has a two people employed under him who help him in the cooking and cleaning tasks.

Products Offered:

Samosa- 6 Rs

Samosa Chaat-12 Rs

Baalushahi-5 Rs/pc

Jalebi- 100gm for 12 Rs

Unique Selling Point- Authentic North Indian Snacks prepared by a North Indian.

Customer Base:

The Samosa chaat and the jalebis seemed to attract one and all. What struck me most was how he was able to generate a market for north Indian snacks in this part of the country. His ‘NO- Compromise’ on quality and affordable prices makes it easier for him to retain customers and get repeat business. In the 2 hours I was standing there,  he catered to around 20-25 customers of all age groups and origins. He manages to make around 1000-1200 per day

Scope of Improvement:

There is no seating space in the small shop that he owns. Inclusion of a few chairs and tables will give the customer the reason to spend more time at the shop and hence order more food.

Beverages such as tea/coffee/cold drink can also be included in the menu so that the customer is given a wholesome experience of the “Evening Snacks”.

Until Next time Signing off:

Aditi Verma

FT13400