A Journey of Partnership and Perseverance: The Story of Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali

Located in the heart of Bengali Colony, Sant Nagar, Burari, Delhi, Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali has become a household name, providing high-quality, unlimited meals at a nominal price. Behind this remarkable venture are Pandit Akhilesh Sharma and Smt. Suman Sharma, a couple whose unwavering dedication, resilience, and customer-centric approach have helped them carve a niche in the competitive food industry.

The Beginning: A Leap of Faith

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Pandit Akhilesh Sharma was working as a medical representative in Mumbai for a pharmaceutical company. Life took a sharp turn when he lost his job just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to keep moving forward, Akhilesh found a new role as a supervisor at a construction company, where he earned between 35,000-40,000 INR monthly. Living in a rented flat in Mumbai, he faced the challenges brought about by the pandemic, but managed to survive.

In June 2024, after the pandemic restrictions eased, Akhilesh decided to return to his hometown in Delhi, where his family lived. Faced with the choice of either finding a new job or venturing into business, Akhilesh chose the latter, primarily because of the low salary options available in the job market.

As he settled in Delhi, Akhilesh observed the local food market near his residence. The area was home to many students who relied on tiffin services for their meals. When one such service provider stopped operating, Akhilesh saw an opportunity. He began offering home-cooked meals to three students, providing food at reasonable rates and ensuring quality was always maintained. This experience sparked a desire to create a business in the food industry.

The Humble Beginnings: From Home Kitchen to Full-Fledged Business

With limited funds, Akhilesh started cooking food for a small group of people from his rented apartment. As the food quality stood out, more students began flocking to his place. The seed for Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali was planted, but financial constraints loomed large.

On January 15, 2025, Akhilesh and his wife, Smt. Suman Sharma, rented a small store at their current location in Bengali Colony. With the help of his wife, they began operations despite facing many challenges. To fund the business, Akhilesh had to sell one of his gold chains, and they started with just 35,000 INR. They used their own kitchen utensils and repurposed old furniture to set up the outlet. These early sacrifices paid off, as they were able to keep costs low and focus on what mattered most—serving good food.

Unique Selling Proposition: Quality at an Unbeatable Price

Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali's unique selling point is simple yet profound: unlimited, high-quality meals for just 50 INR. As of February 17, 2025, this affordable price provides customers with a wholesome meal consisting of roti, rice, salad, and two types of sabzi. The couple’s commitment to providing quality meals at such a nominal rate has earned them immense trust and loyalty from their customers, mostly students and a few working professionals in the area.

What sets them apart is not just the food but the values they hold. They see their business as a form of social service, aiming to make good-quality food accessible to everyone, including those who cannot afford it. No one is turned away, even if they arrive late at night looking for a meal.

Overcoming Challenges: Support from Smt. Suman Sharma

Smt. Suman Sharma, Akhilesh’s wife, has played an indispensable role in the success of Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali. From the beginning, she supported her husband both emotionally and financially. At one point, to secure funds for purchasing raw materials, Smt. Suman even mortgaged her ring. Her unwavering support and determination have been crucial to their progress. Akhilesh often expresses that without his wife’s help, he wouldn’t have been able to make it this far.

Growing Popularity and Customer-Centric Approach

The opening day of Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali was nothing short of overwhelming. The crowd was so large that they struggled to keep up with the demand. This initial success became the driving force for Akhilesh and Suman, motivating them to continue. Today, they have a loyal customer base, and they sell out every meal they prepare. They pride themselves on not wasting any food, and they have a policy of serving late-night customers without hesitation.

They follow a customer-centric approach, constantly seeking feedback to improve their offerings. Their tagline—“Sikayat apka adhikar hain, sunhat karna hamara kartavya” (To complain is the customer’s right, to improve is our responsibility)—encapsulates their commitment to continually enhancing the customer experience.

Future Plans: Expanding Services

Looking ahead, Akhilesh and Suman have big plans for their business. They aim to focus more on the student market, offering a reliable tiffin service and breakfast packages for working people and students. They also plan to list their outlet on food delivery platforms, expanding their reach to a larger audience.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Pandit Akhilesh believes that no work is too small to begin with, and the key to success lies in taking responsibility for the work you do. He advises those starting new ventures to focus on their business for at least 100 days without taking a break and then assess the results.

He also shares a valuable message for women: “If a woman knows a skill, whether it’s cooking or any other craft, she should monetize it. Women can earn a substantial amount by turning their skills into a business.”

A Bright Future Ahead

The journey of Pandit Ji Vaishno Thali is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and the support of loved ones. With a commitment to quality, a strong customer focus, and a heart for social service, Akhilesh and Suman have created something truly special in their community.

Team Unscriptedvani wishes them continued success as they grow their business and touch more lives. Their story shows us that with determination, even the humblest beginnings can lead to great success.