The humble Bihari samosa has taken the streets of London by storm, thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen of a Gujarati family. Bihari Samosa Ghantawala, a brand that started as a small stall in Gujarat, has become an international sensation, drawing long lines and global attention for its delicious samosas and unique street-style selling. With a mix of authentic flavors, vibrant street presence, and sharp business savvy, the samosa vendor has captured the heart of London—and the world.
The story of Bihari Samosa Ghantawala began in 1972, when Kalishaprasad Kishanlal Shah, a Bihari migrant, set up a small samosa stall in Nadiad, Gujarat. Drawing on a family recipe passed down through generations, Shah’s samosas quickly became a local favorite. The recipe, a perfect blend of spices and ingredients from Bihar, combined with the crispy texture and savory fillings, stood out in a crowded market. The samosas were so popular that Shah’s sons, recognizing a growing demand, expanded the family business across Gujarat, opening additional outlets in Ahmedabad, Anand, and Vadodara. The consistency in taste, quality, and customer service became the foundation of their business, allowing them to build trust across generations.
This relentless commitment to quality and authenticity is a hallmark of Gujarati business acumen—an ability to innovate while maintaining tradition. Whether it was selecting the finest ingredients or ensuring that the family recipe remained unchanged, the Shah family demonstrated a keen sense of business that has allowed them to thrive even in competitive markets.
In 2024, the family took a bold step in expanding their legacy beyond Indian borders, opening two outlets in London—one in Wembley and another in South Harrow. This decision exemplified the Gujarati knack for spotting opportunities and taking calculated risks. However, it wasn’t just the samosas that made waves in London. It was the unique approach to selling them. Yogeshwar Shah, the face of the business, dressed in a traditional kurta-dhoti, would ring a bell before serving customers, creating a lively and nostalgic atmosphere that resonated with the city’s diverse population. This distinct street-style selling, while grounded in tradition, showcased the kind of innovative marketing that Gujarati entrepreneurs are known for—leveraging culture and authenticity to create a memorable customer experience.
The brand’s Instagram reels and viral TikTok videos, which captured the long queues, the sound of ringing bells, and Yogeshwar’s energetic selling style, quickly spread across social media, turning Bihari Samosa Ghantawala into a global sensation. This viral success is a testament to the power of digital media, but also to the sharp business instincts of the Shah family, who recognized the importance of engaging with younger audiences and embracing the global appeal of Indian street food.
The demand has been staggering. On a typical day, the two London outlets sell between 1,000 to 1,500 samosas, generating daily sales of Rs 2.5 lac to Rs 3.5 lacs. The brand’s viral success has also spurred an influx of catering requests for weddings, corporate events, and parties. The family’s keen understanding of both local and international markets, combined with their ability to adapt to changing times, has helped them expand their reach in ways that few could have predicted.
With such overwhelming success in the UK, the Shah family is now exploring the possibility of expanding further across Europe. As they look to the future, one thing is clear: the combination of Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a deep understanding of market trends is what has made Bihari Samosa Ghantawala not just a street food stand, but a global business phenomenon. The Shah family’s journey is a shining example of how Gujaratis continue to lead in the world of business—turning tradition into triumph and street food into a global brand.
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