Archive · 19 Aug 2025
We Idliwale: From Pune Shop to South Indian Culinary Brand
Imagine two friends, Chirag and Abhishek, who loved a special South Indian dish: idli with chicken or mutton curry.
They noticed many people didn't know this dish.
So, they started a tiny shop called We Idliwale, serving these unique idli dishes.
It became very popular!
People loved it so much that they opened more locations and even a barroom.
They are very careful about using the right ingredients and keeping the food authentic.
However, running a restaurant has its challenges, like high rent and relying on food delivery apps.
We Idliwale started as a 150 sq ft shop in Pune, serving South Indian cuisine.
The restaurant chain, founded by Chirag Jadhav and Abhishek Joshi, serves idli with non-vegetarian curries.
We Idliwale expanded to multiple outlets, including a barroom, after its initial success.
The company focuses on authenticity, using traditional ingredients and recipes.
The food industry faces challenges such as high rentals, tax regimes, and reliance on online aggregators.
- Who
- Chirag Jadhav and Abhishek Joshi, the founders of We Idliwale.
- What
- We Idliwale's growth from a small shop to a restaurant chain serving South Indian cuisine, and the challenges faced.
- When
- Founded in 2019.
- Where
- Started in Pune, India, with expansion to multiple locations.
- Why
- To introduce lesser-known South Indian dishes to a wider audience and provide an authentic experience.
Restaurant Struggles
Restaurant Solutions
Industry Challenges
Restaurant Struggles
High rentals and taxes impact restaurant investment.
Restaurant Solutions
Online aggregators charge significant commissions, making restaurants dependent on them.
- Founders
- Chirag Jadhav, Abhishek Joshi
- Initial Location
- 150 sq ft shop in Baner, Pune
- Menu
- Idli-chicken, idli-mutton, idli-sambar-chutney, filter coffee
- Investor
- Neha Anand of Kings Group Ventures
- Current Locations
- Baner, Viman Nagar, NIBM