From kitchen to country: Desi Tesi’s taste of Bihar | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a world craving authenticity, one mother-son duo brought Bihar’s forgotten flavours to the spotlight, straight from a small kitchen in Guwahati.

In April 2023, Tilak Pandit, a college student with no funding or formal training, started Desi Tesi with his mother, Chand Jyoti Devi.

Their goal was simple: make traditional Bihari snacks like Thekua available across India. What began as a small home operation soon became a movement.

With just social media and storytelling, Tilak built a strong online presence. Instagram reels helped attract orders from Assam to Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, his mother led the kitchen, teaching local women and ensuring every item stayed true to its roots.

Their products stood out, 100% handmade, zero preservatives, and steeped in tradition.

Thekua, gujiya, and flavoured makhana reminded many of home. Within a year, Desi Tesi crossed a turnover of ₹12 lakh, all without a factory.

However, the brand isn’t just about snacks. It’s about preserving Bihar’s culinary heritage.

They aim to revive forgotten treats like anarsa and khaja. New launches focus on wellness, natural honey, flavoured makhana, and more, all preservative-free.

Desi Tesi empowers women by training them in traditional snack-making, creating employment and preserving regional skills.

By involving local hands from Guwahati and Bihar, the startup builds a self-sustaining ecosystem.

This community-driven approach not only supports livelihoods but also strengthens their mission of reviving and sharing Bihar’s rich food heritage.

Their vision is to take the authentic taste of Bihar to a global audience, showcasing regional flavours on an international platform.

From Indian metros to international markets, Desi Tesi wants regional food to earn global love.

The startup’s journey teaches big lessons. You don’t need degrees or capital to build something meaningful. Just culture, courage, and belief.

Desi Tesi is not just a business. It’s a revival of tradition, a platform for local talent, and a reminder that every small-town dream counts.

Image Credit: Desitesi Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://desitesi.com/