Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

“From Maa’s Kitchen to a ₹12 Lakh Startup” – The Real Story of Desi Tesi and Its Founder Tilak Pandit

“Ek thekua ne badal diya ek parivaar ka jeevan.”
Sometimes, all it takes is one bite of nostalgia to create something extraordinary.

A Mother’s Recipe, A Son’s Vision: The Birth of Desi Tesi

In April 2023, a small kitchen in Guwahati became the birthplace of a startup that would go on to make headlines across India. Founded by Tilak Pandit, a commerce student with no business degree or funding, Desi Tesi began with a single thought: What if the flavors of Bihar could be delivered to every home in India?

This wasn’t just about food—it was about emotion, identity, and memory. Tilak knew that thekua, a traditional Bihari snack often made during Chhath Puja, held deep meaning for many. What he also knew was that outside Bihar, it was nearly impossible to find an authentic version.

So, he did what few would dare: he teamed up with his mother, Chand Jyoti Devi, and started Desi Tesi with no factory, no capital—just a strong belief in the power of tradition.

Meet the Founders: Tilak Pandit and Chand Jyoti Devi

At the heart of Desi Tesi are two people: a mother and son duo with a shared dream.

• Tilak Pandit, the CEO and co-founder, is the strategist, marketer, and face of the brand. Still in college when he launched the startup, he used social media—especially Instagram marketing—to attract attention, generate orders, and build a loyal customer base.

• Chand Jyoti Devi, the co-founder and manufacturing head, is the soul of Desi Tesi. With years of experience in making traditional Bihari snacks, she led the kitchen operations, taught other local women, and ensured that every product—whether thekua, gujiya, or makhana—was handmade with love and authenticity.

Their chemistry wasn’t just familial—it was entrepreneurial.

Desi Tesi’s Growth: From Local Orders to ₹12 Lakh+ Turnover

The growth wasn’t immediate, but it was steady—and heartfelt. Initially, Desi Tesi began with small batches of thekua made at home. But soon, word spread. People from Assam, Delhi, Maharashtra, and even southern states began ordering.

What made it unique?

• 100% handmade snacks

• Zero preservatives

• Rooted in traditional recipes

• Flavors that reminded people of their childhood

Thanks to Tilak’s use of Instagram reels and storytelling, the brand attracted both NRIs and Indians across metro cities who were craving a taste of home. Within a year, Desi Tesi generated over ₹12 lakh in turnover, without ever stepping into a factory setup.

The Mission Behind Desi Tesi: More Than Just Snacks

While thekua was the beginning, Desi Tesi was always meant to be more than just a food business. Tilak and his mother had a vision much bigger than profits.

Here’s what they’re building:

• Preserving Bihar’s Food Heritage
  Lost snacks like lai, anarsa, and khaja are next in line. Desi Tesi aims to revive and modernize these recipes for today’s generation.

• Launching 100% Natural Products
  Their new line includes flavored makhana, natural honey, and other healthy, preservative-free offerings—balancing wellness with taste.

• Empowering Local Hands
  Women from local communities in Guwahati and parts of Bihar are being trained and employed. The goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that rewards local talent.

• Taking Bihar’s Taste Global
  From Guwahati to Goa and eventually to global markets, Desi Tesi wants to make Bihar ka swaad a global food identity.

Lessons for Every Aspiring Entrepreneur

Desi Tesi’s journey shows that:

• You don’t need a degree to start a business.

• You don’t need capital if you have culture.

• You don’t need investors if you believe in your roots.

Instead, all you need is a vision, a support system (even if it’s your mom), and the courage to start small.

Desi Tesi has already changed the way India looks at regional food entrepreneurship. And for every small-town dreamer thinking “main kya kar sakta hoon?” — this story is the answer.

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