How Eggholic is Bringing Authentic Indian Street Food to the US

In this interview, we speak with Bhavana Singh, the visionary behind Eggholic, a restaurant that brings the authentic flavors of Gujarat’s egg-based street food to the United States. Bhavana shares the inspiration behind starting Eggholic, how the menu was developed, and the importance of staying true to her cultural roots while catering to an American audience. With a focus on freshness, quality, and community, Eggholic has carved a niche in the competitive food industry.

Inspiration Behind Eggholic

SBS – What inspired you to start Eggholic, and why did you choose to focus on Indian-style eggs and street food?

Eggholic – Eggholic was founded in 2018 by cousins Bhagyesh and Lay Patel, who grew up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. After moving to the United States, they noticed a lack of authentic Indian street food, particularly the egg-based dishes popular in Gujarat. This realization inspired them to introduce these unique flavors to the US market, leading to the creation of Eggholic.

Crafting the Initial Menu

SBS – How did you decide on your initial menu items, and what inspired those choices?

Eggholic – The initial menu was crafted to showcase the rich variety of egg-based street foods from Gujarat. Dishes like the Surti Gotalo and Lachko were selected to offer authentic flavors that resonate with the founders’ culinary heritage. The menu also includes vegetarian options to cater to a broader audience, reflecting the diverse food culture of India.

Perfecting Egg Dishes & Signature Spices

SBS – Can you tell us about the process of perfecting your egg dishes and developing your signature spices?

Eggholic – Perfecting the egg dishes involved meticulous experimentation with traditional recipes to ensure authenticity while appealing to the American palate. The signature spice blends were developed through numerous trials, balancing traditional Indian spices to achieve the desired flavor profiles that define Eggholic’s offerings.

Ensuring Freshness & Quality

SBS – How do you ensure the quality and freshness of your ingredients, especially with such a wide variety of street food options?

Eggholic – Eggholic maintains strict quality control by sourcing fresh ingredients from trusted suppliers. The restaurant emphasizes the use of fresh eggs and produce, and all dishes are prepared to order, ensuring that customers receive meals at their peak freshness.

Family Influence on the Menu

SBS – What role did your background and family traditions play in shaping Eggholic’s offerings?

Eggholic – The founders’ upbringing in Gujarat profoundly influenced Eggholic’s menu. In Gujarat, egg-based dishes were incredibly popular, and the founders frequently visited various restaurants to try different varieties. Their goal was to bring back all the fresh and authentic food to the US.

Eggholic’s Unique Approach to Street Food

SBS – What makes your approach to Indian street food different from what’s already available in the US?

Eggholic – Eggholic stands out by specializing in egg-centric dishes, a unique and significant aspect of Indian street food, especially from Gujarat. This specialization provides a distinctive dining experience that sets it apart from other Indian restaurants in the United States. Additionally, Eggholic offers a variety of vegetarian street food that is made to order.

Maintaining Consistency Across Locations

SBS – How do you maintain consistency in taste and presentation across different locations?

Eggholic – To ensure consistency, Eggholic implements standardized recipes and conducts comprehensive training programs for staff across all locations. Regular quality checks and adherence to established preparation methods help maintain uniformity in taste and presentation.

Effective Marketing Strategies

SBS – What marketing strategies worked best for getting the word out about Eggholic when you first opened?

Eggholic – Initially, Eggholic leveraged word-of-mouth marketing, benefiting from the enthusiasm of customers who appreciated the unique concept. Social media platforms were also utilized to showcase the distinctive dishes and engage with the community, effectively building brand awareness.

The Role of Community Feedback

SBS – How important has community feedback been in the evolution of your menu and services?

Eggholic – Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping Eggholic’s menu and services. Listening to customer suggestions has led to menu expansions and refinements, ensuring that the offerings meet the preferences and expectations of the diverse clientele.

Advice for Introducing New Cultural Foods

SBS – What advice would you give to someone looking to introduce a new cultural food concept to a market that may not be familiar with it?

Eggholic – It’s crucial to stay authentic to your cultural roots while making the concept accessible to newcomers. Educating customers through storytelling and providing context can bridge cultural gaps. Patience and persistence are key, as building acceptance for a new food concept takes time.

Building a Strong Team in a Family Business

SBS – Can you talk about the importance of building a strong team, especially with a small, family-run operation?

Eggholic – Building a dedicated team that shares the founders’ passion is vital. In a family-run operation, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among team members ensures that the restaurant’s values and quality standards are upheld consistently.

Most Rewarding Moments

SBS – What has been your most rewarding moment since starting Eggholic?

Eggholic – One of the most rewarding moments was witnessing the positive reception from both the Indian diaspora and new customers, validating the founders’ vision of introducing authentic Indian egg-based street food to the US.

Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs

SBS – For entrepreneurs looking to enter the food industry, what’s one piece of advice you wish you had known before starting?

Bhavana – Understanding the importance of adaptability is crucial. Being open to feedback and willing to adjust offerings based on customer preferences can significantly impact the success and growth of a new food venture.