From Bikaner To Global Favourite: The Journey Of Bikanervala On The Food Map

From being served as finger food to guests to being a savoury indulgence for the evening, Bhujia Sev is loved by Indians.

Bikanervala is an age-old brand that cherishes the legacy of India’s taste. Here is how Bikanervala became a household name in Indian households.

🍜The Genesis
A shop named ‘Lalji’ used to sell delicious Bhujia and Mithai (sweets) in Bikaner, Rajasthan, which was run by the Lalji family. The ambitious younger generations aspired to expand the business, which made them set up their stalls in Delhi, selling Bikaneri Bhujia and Mithai, which they used to bring from Bikaner. The flavour of Bhujia and Mithai got popular in Delhi. Banking on the success, they started an outlet named Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar at Delhi’s renowned Parathewali Gali. By now, Bikaner Bhujia Bhandar started making Bhujia and Mithai at the outlet. The business proved to be an instant hit among the locals owing to its unique taste, high quality, the authenticity of its delicacies and excellent customer service. This popularity earned them their brand name: Bikanervala.

🍬 The Expanding Empire
In 1964, Bikanervala opened its second outlet in Karolbagh, Delhi. The owner, Shyamsundar Lalji, called his son Shyam Sundar Agarwal to Delhi to help in the business and continue schooling in Delhi. However, he couldn’t keep pace with the school syllabus in Delhi and eventually dropped out to devote his time to Bikanervala. His passion and dedication helped Bikanervala to grow exponentially. Multiple outlets of the brand were opened in Delhi to accommodate the entire family into the business.
Along with the brand’s popularity, it also widened its product range. Bikanervala decided to manufacture various products from a standalone location and started the Bikanervala factory at Lawrence Road, Delhi. Bikanervala holds the commendation for popularising sweets like Kaju Barfi and sponge-like Rasgullas in Delhi.

Bikanervala bagged a contract with Lehar and set up a factory at Faridabad, Haryana, catering to large productions.

There were two major stepping stones in Bikanervala’s journey:

✅ The entry into packeted food sector with its brand, Bikano in 1988. This move led the business to a turnover of around ₹1000 crores, making it an internationally acclaimed product.

✅After economic liberalisation in India, many quick-service restaurants started sprouting. Mr Shyam Sundar Agarwal banked on India’s love for traditional food and snacks and started the Bikanervala chain of restaurants.

‌These two steps were pivotal in the growth and recognition of the Bikanervala brand.

Bikanervala has 42 outlets in Delhi NCR alone and a market presence in UAE, Nepal, New Zealand, Singapore and the USA