Panel for food, beverage entrepreneurs announced

Amritsar’s reputation as the culinary capital of Punjab is widely recognised. The holy city, apart from its spiritual tourism, is a hub of food tourism and a great place for foodies. Capitalising on the same and encouraging food entreprenuers to become a part of Amritsar’s food industry, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sakshi Sawhney on Tuesday announced to set up a district-level food committee for food and beverage entrepreneurs.

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The committee will provide guidance and support for ease of doing business and setting up small-scale food business.

The city has an immense potential for food tourism and the committee will consist of entrepreneurs related to food and beverage industry, people from hospitality will be included in this food committee,” she said, adding that youth can establish their own businesses while staying in their own city and country. She appealed to the youth to build their own start-ups in the food industry.

She also honoured Amanjinder Singh, the owner of Khalsa Kulche, a popular food joint serving the famous Amritsari kulcha.

A fourth generation food entreprenuer, Amanjinder Singh’s great grandfather had opened Khalsa Kulcheya Wala, a dhaba near Gurudwara Shaeedan Saheb. Over the years, the family has grown the humble stuffed kulcha business to a multi-branch food joint. Their kulchas have now travelled to countries like Canada and Australia as tourists visiting Amritsar, get them packed when they fly out.

“It is an honour for us to continue with our forefathers’ legacy in food industry. Our kulchas have become popular over the years and now we have people coming to us from foreign countries to taste the traditional Amritsari speciality,” said Amanjinder.

He along with his daughter and two sons is taking this work forward through the French IG model, which typically means using social media influencers and marketing to promote the business. The kulchas made by him are provided in countries and abroad. “People while flying out, get our kulchas packed as they can remain fresh for 60 hours,” he said. Even his kids wanted to follow suit by going abroad and settle there. But Amanjinder engaged and inspired them to use their knowledge and skills to develop their home business.

Today they and I are ready to look for franchise partners and expand out of Amritsar.

The DC said people like Amanjinder can mentor other aspiring entrepreneurs in the Future Tycoon Amritsar initiative dedicated to discovering and developing the entrepreneurial spirit in the city.