Bikanervala: From a Small Sweet Shop to a Famous Food Brand
When you think of Indian sweets and snacks, Bikanervala is one name that probably comes to mind. Whether it’s for their delicious rasgullas, spicy bhujia, or tasty chaat, Bikanervala has become a go-to spot for many food lovers. But did you know this big brand started as a small shop over 100 years ago?
Let’s take a look at how Bikanervala started and how it grew into the popular chain it is today.
Bikanervala’s story starts in the city of Bikaner in Rajasthan. Bikaner is known for its traditional sweets and snacks, especially bhujia. The family behind Bikanervala, the Lalji family, had been making sweets and namkeen (snacks) there since the early 1900s. They were known for their tasty recipes, which were passed down through generations.
At first, they only sold their products locally in Bikaner. The business was small, but they had a loyal customer base because of the quality and taste.
The big change came in 1950 when two brothers from the Lalji family, Shyam Sundar and Kishan Lal, moved to Delhi. They opened a small sweet shop in Chandni Chowk and named it "Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar." At that time, Delhi didn’t have many places selling Rajasthani-style snacks and sweets, so the shop quickly became popular.
People loved the taste of their bhujia, rasgulla, and other items. Slowly, the shop became well-known not just for Rajasthani food, but for a wide variety of Indian snacks and sweets.
As the brand grew, they changed the name from Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar to Bikanervala. The new name kept the connection to their roots in Bikaner but was easier to remember and suited their expanding business.
By the 1980s and 90s, Bikanervala had opened several outlets in Delhi and other parts of India. They also started adding more items to their menu – not just sweets and snacks, but full meals like North Indian thalis, South Indian dishes, and even Chinese food with an Indian twist.
What’s impressive is how Bikanervala didn’t just stop in India. They went international too. Today, Bikanervala has outlets in countries like the USA, UAE, Nepal, Singapore, and more. They’ve managed to keep the traditional taste alive while adapting to different markets.
They also started a packaged food brand called “Bikano,” which sells ready-to-eat snacks and sweets in supermarkets. So even if there’s no Bikanervala outlet near you, you can still enjoy their food at home.
There are many sweet shops and food chains in India, but Bikanervala stands out for a few reasons:
They focus on quality and hygiene.
Their recipes are traditional but still appeal to modern tastes.
They offer a huge variety – from sweets to full meals.
They’ve kept their brand trustworthy over many decades.
Bikanervala’s journey is a great example of how a small family business can grow into a global brand with hard work, consistency, and a love for good food. It started with simple sweets in Bikaner and today, it's a name known across the world.
Next time you bite into a piece of their soan papdi or munch on some bhujia, remember – you’re tasting a bit of history.
