An engineer’s journey from corporate life to creating Chennai’s favourite North Indian sweet haven — authentic, fresh, and soulful.
In a city where crispy dosas, spicy sambhar, and filter coffee dominate every corner, a quiet revolution of taste is taking shape. Behind it is Vidhu Singh, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who dared to introduce Chennai to the rich, authentic flavours of North India through her venture — Kesar Sweets & Snacks.
Founded in 2024, Kesar Sweets & Snacks is not just another sweet shop. It’s a heartfelt attempt to bridge the cultural and culinary gap that Vidhu noticed soon after she moved to Chennai from Ghaziabad eight years ago.
“Ever since I came to Chennai, I always wondered why we don’t get authentic North Indian sweets and chaats here,” she recalls. “Even after eight years, that gap remained. Being a foodie myself, I wanted to change something.”
And she did.
Before stepping into the world of sugar and ghee, Vidhu spent over a decade in the corporate sector. With an M.Tech from Delhi University, she built an impressive career across engineering and management roles. But despite the stability and financial comfort, something was missing.
“I had always wanted to start something of my own — something that gave me both freedom and fulfillment,” she says.
That dream took shape as Kesar Sweets & Snacks, officially launched on 6th September 2024. What began as a self-funded venture fueled purely by her savings has evolved into a fast-growing brand winning hearts — and taste buds — across Chennai.
The concept of Kesar is rooted in authenticity. Vidhu wanted to create a space where people could enjoy traditional North Indian sweets, snacks, and chaats — freshly prepared, preservative-free, and bursting with nostalgic flavours.
“We wanted to create a place that reminds you of home,” she explains.
Today, Kesar boasts over 80 varieties of sweets, from milk-based and ghee-based classics to dry fruit and Bengali delicacies. The brand also offers sugar-free options for health-conscious customers.
“Our goal is to make indulgence guilt-free,” Vidhu emphasizes.
Starting from scratch in a new city and industry wasn’t easy. But Vidhu’s customer-first mindset helped her build a strong foundation.
“Customer is always the king,” she says.
Within months, Kesar expanded from walk-ins to corporate orders and festive hampers, earning repeat customers and a stellar reputation.
“Today, 90% of our customers keep coming back,” she adds proudly.
Entrepreneurship tested Vidhu’s patience and resilience.
“The biggest challenge was staffing and building a reliable supply chain,” she admits.
Being new to Chennai made networking harder, but word-of-mouth slowly turned the tide.
“My husband’s constant support kept me going,” she adds.
Vidhu challenges the common myth that sweets are unhealthy.
“The real problem isn’t sweets — it’s preservatives,” she explains.
To prove that, Kesar introduced high-protein chaats and sugar-free sweets, making indulgence both tasty and nutritious.
For Vidhu, Kesar is more than a business — it’s a legacy in the making.
“In the next five years, we want Kesar to become a trusted household name,” she says.
The brand aims to expand to new cities while maintaining its signature quality and authenticity.
“Sweets connect people. Every celebration begins with something sweet.”
Chennai’s evolving food scene leaves room for premium North Indian sweets, a niche Kesar fills with finesse.
“We’re not just selling sweets — we’re selling an experience,” Vidhu says.
By blending authentic flavours with modern quality standards, Kesar appeals to both South Indians seeking novelty and North Indians craving a taste of home.
Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship taught Vidhu valuable lessons in patience, adaptability, and humility.
“Every small win matters,” she reflects.
Her biggest advice? Surround yourself with growth-minded people who uplift your energy and vision.
“Don’t give up on the basic vision of your organization,” she advises.
Challenges will come — finances, staffing, uncertainty — but staying true to your core vision makes all the difference.
With a growing customer base and brand loyalty, Kesar is now exploring online ordering, catering, and franchising opportunities.
“Every sweet should carry the same love, purity, and nostalgia — whether it’s sold in Chennai or Delhi,” Vidhu says.
Her journey stands as proof that authenticity still wins in a world of mass-produced food.
From engineering equations to perfecting recipes, Vidhu Singh’s journey is one of courage, creativity, and conviction. Through Kesar Sweets & Snacks, she’s not just selling sweets — she’s reviving memories and spreading happiness.
“When people walk out of Kesar with a smile, that’s success for me.”
And if the city’s growing love is any indication, Kesar’s journey has only just begun.
Founder: Vidhu Singh
Venture: Kesar Sweets & Snacks
Founded: 2024
Location: Chennai
Instagram:@kesarsweetschennai
Email:kesarsweetschennai@gmail.com
Address: Kesar Sweets & Snacks, Pammal, Chennai
I am an entrepreneur, marketer, and mentor with a certification in entrepreneurship from IIT Delhi, one of the most prestigious institutions in India. I have a passion for connecting businesses with their ideal customers, solving real-world problems, and inspiring the next generation of founders.I founded and lead DevoByte, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services, from SEO a
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