Chhota Banaras Opens in Sector 8, Brings Soulful Essence of Banaras to Tricity

Chandigarh, March 25, 2026: Chhota Banaras, a unique culinary concept inspired by the timeless ethos of Banaras, has officially unveiled its new outlet in Sector 8, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh. The launch was marked by a curated tasting session, offering an immersive experience of the brand’s philosophy, cuisine and people. Monika Rani, who leads the women employees’ team at Chhota Banaras and Chef Umesh Yadav shared the concept and menu details of the restaurant.
The outlet exemplifies a thoughtful attempt to recreate not just the food but the feeling of Banaras, a city known for its simplicity, depth and unhurried way of life, said Monica Rani, who heads the women section at Chhota Banaras, Sector 8, during a media interaction.
According to Chef Umesh, Chhota Banaras is built around the idea that Banaras is not merely a place, but a lived experience. It represents a slower, more mindful way of living where food is prepared with patience and authenticity, and traditions are practiced daily rather than preserved as nostalgia, he said.
The Chef added that the menu at Chhota Banaras is inspired by the vibrant street food culture of Banaras and other parts of India, offering a range of traditional and comfort dishes including Channa Bhatura, Aloo Puri, Kachori with Aloo Sabzi and select south Indian offerings.
According to Chef Umesh, the beverage selection complements the food with nostalgic Indian favourites such as Gulkand shake, sweet lassi, Badam milk and Nimbu Pani along with a fermented option - Mint Kombucha.
He said that traditional methods are followed rigorously including the daily preparation of khoya in an iron pot and slow cooking in copper and brass utensils. “We use single-source cow milk and incorporate bio-dynamism technology water sourced from Auroville,” added the Chef.
Notably, with a focus on purity, Chhota Banaras distinguishes itself through its commitment to authentic ingredients and time-honoured cooking practices. All food is prepared using desi khaand instead of refined sugar and cooked in cold-pressed oils.
The Chef further revealed that the bakery and sweets section features at Chhota Banaras at its Sector 8 outlet are freshly prepared items and traditional Indian mithais, crafted with the same emphasis on purity and quality.
The women staff are a key asset  of the Chhota Banaras, Sector 8 outlet. Monika Rani explains, “A defining feature of Sector 8 outlet is its strong focus on women empowerment. The restaurant chain employs a workforce of around 20 women, nearly 80 per cent of whom have stepped into a professional environment for the first time.”
The women working in Chhota Banaras, Sec 8, come from nearby areas such as Khuda Ali Sher, Khuda Lahora, and Nayagaon and are actively involved in all aspects of food preparation - from grinding spices and preparing ingredients to creating signature dishes and in-house masalas like pav bhaji blends.
Monika said further,“ The brand strongly believes that food carries the energy and sincerity of those who prepare it, and the women working in the outlet follow this philosophy to the core. I believe the 'woman workforce' is an integral part of the Chhota Banaras experience. Moreover, other than employment, the initiative fosters dignity, confidence and financial independence of women.”
It is pertinent to mention that after Chhota Banaras’s Sec 8 Chandigarh unveiling the chain is set to expand its presence across the tricity region. The next phase includes upcoming outlets in Panchkula and at Curo, New Chandigarh.”