Banaraswala, a food brand specialising in Banarasi cuisine, has raised $2 million in seed funding from Prax Impex Private Limited. The company will use the fresh capital to expand its quick-service restaurant (QSR) network, develop new products, and introduce traditional Banarasi recipes to a wider consumer base.
Founded by Vibhanshu Mishra, Banaraswala currently operates three outlets across Delhi. The brand plans to expand into Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and other high-potential markets, targeting 50 outlets by March 2027. Its expansion strategy includes Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Tier-II cities, with a mix of company-owned outlets and franchise operations.
“Scaling Banaraswala is, at the same time, an effort to expand our presence and build trust in the initial ethos of the brand,” Mishra said. “We seek to take the flavours and recipes of Banaras to an untapped marketplace without deviating from their authentic nature.”
The brand draws inspiration from Banaras’ rich food culture, offering traditional recipes, sweets, chaats, and meals. Additionally, it incorporates elements such as kulhads, pattal, and clay into the customer experience to reinforce its regional identity. Banaraswala also reaches customers through leading food delivery platforms.
Commenting on the investment, Rajnandini, shareholder at Prax Impex, said, “Vibhanshu has an impressive understanding of numbers and the market, and we believe the brand can move beyond being a regional food business to becoming a recognisable Indian food brand.”
