Street Food Meets Tech: India’s First Kulche Vending Machine

How far can you go for your love of food? Some miles, a few hours, shifting to another state—or maybe even leaving a stable career? Yes, that's the story of Sagar Malhotra, a Delhi-based banker who turned his passion for food into an innovative entrepreneurial venture, launching India’s first ‘Chhole Kulche’ vending machine.

He stated:

I had an established career in the banking sector, but I always wanted to do something for myself. I went to Cambridge to study and had a stable job, but deep down inside, I wanted something different.

Despite having a successful career in banking, he couldn't shake off his dream of making his favourite dish more accessible, hygienic, and convenient for urban consumers. His journey from finance to food tech was not just about passion but also about solving a problem—how to deliver authentic, fresh, and consistent chhole kulche without compromising on quality.

The first of its kind in India, the vending machine is made to deliver freshly made chhole kulche with a single press of a button and that too, in just 60 seconds. Customers can even choose the spice level–from mild to extra spicy–and pick between traditional maida bhaturas or ones made with whole wheat bread. The machine is a step towards revolutionizing India's street food business because it has a self-cleaning mechanism and an intuitive interface that maintains the ideal temperature and hygiene requirements.

His venture, Chakh De Chole, was first launched in Delhi’s Rajouri Garden and later expanded to Vikaspuri. With growing demand, he now plans to open outlets in Jaipur and Bengaluru.

Alongside being a foodie's win, this innovative step shows that technology and enthusiasm can combine to redefine culinary encounters. With automation taking over large parts of India, this vending machine could spell a new wave of street food retailing, where convenience comes with authenticity.

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