From Rock Stages to Restaurant Tables

Debaditya Chaudhury’s life in Kolkata was immersed in the world of music. As the keyboardist for Lakkhichhara, one of Bengal’s most loved rock bands, he spent his days touring, performing, and living the creative high life. But alongside this, there simmered a parallel passion: food.

Growing up next to Kim Wah, a legendary Chinese restaurant in Kolkata, his childhood memories were laced with the aroma of sizzling noodles and the vibrant chatter of bustling Chinese eateries. As he travelled across Asia for music gigs, every stop turned into a culinary exploration—sampling authentic dim sums in China, understanding subtle flavours in Thailand, picking up chopsticks in Japan, and discovering spices in Korea. Each trip was like adding another brick to what would eventually become the Chowman empire.

Chowman: The Vision of Neighbourhood Fine Dining

Spotting the Gap in Kolkata’s Food Scene

By 2010, Kolkata was teeming with choices—either the extravagant five-star hotel buffets or the lively street stalls. There was hardly any middle ground. Few places offered authentic Chinese dining in a relaxed neighbourhood setting at a reasonable price. This gap was glaring.

Debaditya envisioned Chowman to:

• Democratise fine dining — make it accessible and affordable.
• Bring genuine Asian flavours to local neighbourhoods.
• Create experiences where families and friends felt at home.

The Humble Start in Golf Gardens

And so, in 2010, with an investment of just ₹15 lakh, it opened its doors at Golf Gardens in South Kolkata. The décor was warm, seating only 20 guests, and the staff was minimal. Yet, every plate told a story. From handpicked crockery sourced in China to spices imported directly from Thailand, everything was curated to deliver authenticity. The dream was not merely to serve food but to recreate the experience of a bustling lane in Shanghai or Bangkok right in Kolkata.

The Menu: Where Authenticity Meets Local Tastes

Sourcing Straight From Asia

What quickly distinguished Chowman from other reputed Chinese restaurants in Kolkata was its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Debaditya personally sourced sauces, spices, woks, and even chopsticks from across Asia. This ensured every dish remained rooted in its original character while also pleasing the local Bengali palate.

Signature Dishes That Won Hearts

Some creations that turned first-time guests into loyal patrons include:

• Chicken Wanton Soup: a soulful bowl of delicate dumplings.
• Schezwan Chicken: fiery, bold, and irresistibly good.
• Mixed Fried Rice: a colourful blend of meats and vegetables.
• Garlic Lamb & Roasted Chilli Lamb: succulent perfection for meat lovers.
• Chowman Special Mix Chow: arguably the most photographed dish on Instagram.
• Prawns in Honey Chilli Sauce & Paper Garlic Prawns: seafood with an elegant twist.
• Chicken Spring Rolls & Pan Fried Noodles: classic staples executed flawlessly.

Starting from just 70 dishes, today it boasts over 650 items, expanding to include Thai curries, Japanese appetisers, and Korean bulgogi, making it a benchmark not just among Chinese restaurants in Kolkata but across India.

The Struggles That Forged Chowman’s Character

Winning Over a New Market

In the beginning, convincing Kolkata’s diners to embrace this new style of neighbourhood fine dining was not easy. The team had to do it all—cook, serve, manage deliveries, and even handle sceptical local authorities over issues like waste disposal and parking.

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

Without hefty budgets, it relied on creativity:

• Simple banners and flyers.
• Coupons for nearby housing complexes.
• Early social media posts on Facebook and Instagram, showing behind-the-scenes stories.

Ultimately, it was the combination of mouth-watering food and fair pricing that became its strongest marketing tool. Word-of-mouth turned curious sceptics into dedicated regulars.

Reinventing During COVID: Chowman’s Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic was a testing time for even well-established brands. It responded with agility by launching cloud kitchens, which helped them maintain service despite lockdowns. This move didn’t just safeguard the business but enabled rapid entry into markets like Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR, reinforcing its reputation as one of India’s best authentic Chinese restaurant chains.

Scaling Heights: As a National Brand

Key Milestones

Future plans are in motion for Pune, Chennai, and Chandigarh, setting up Chowman to cement itself alongside big names like Mainland China, Tung Fong, Hatari Restaurant, Bar-B-Q Restaurant, and becoming the face of Indo-Chinese fine dining in India.

Operational Excellence

The success isn’t accidental. It’s built on meticulous market research, rigorous supply chain checks, and consistent quality control that ensures whether you’re eating at Chowman Saltlake—their most popular outlet with over 6K reviews—or a new launch in Mumbai, the experience remains delightful.