Chaat Wala owner on his Asian street food business in Bradford

Talhah Rana, a former Dixons City Academy student from the BD5 area, always dreamt of running his own business.

He is now the proud owner of Chaat Wala on Manchester Road, serving different types of Chaat and South Asian street food.

The menu offers savoury treats like samosas, kebabs and gol gappa, also known as panipuri, as well as popular desserts and drinks like mango lassi.

Talhah has shared his journey in the hopes of encouraging teens in the UK’s youngest city to “never give up” on their vision.

Food from Chaat Wala on Manchester Road (Image: Newsquest)

Talhah told the Telegraph & Argus: “Both my parents have always been business minded and I believe the strive and motivation to start a business has come from them. 

“During lockdown I started Chaat Wala from home, advertising different chaats on social media and the response was epic.

“I started delivering around cities and within 10 months of starting, we were delivering to 15 cities and towns across the UK.

“I then started actively looking for a shop and I never knew the response would have been this good.

“At the time I was studying mechanical engineering at the University of Leeds. It was hard to balance however with the help of my parents we were able to deliver weekly with many orders to hand.

Talhah Rana behind Chaat Wala on Manchester Road (Image: Newsquest)

“It's lovely to see other ethnicities trying out the food and coming back. We get customers from all around the UK coming to try our chaat. Many customers come back for their weekly chaat fix.”

The street food restaurant now offers seating for 30 people while Talhal has successfully expanded into the wedding industry.

It has been a non-stop learning journey for Talhah, leading to his next mission of creating a network for young business owners across Bradford district.

Chaat Wala marks his second journey in the business world, following the end to his first business in the clothing industry.

Talhah is set to study for a bachelors degree in economics and business with the Open University in February. 

Inside Chaat Wala on Manchester Road (Image: Newsquest)

“When Covid hit I knew that this wasn't the end,” he said.

“I want to create opportunities for younger people who want to kickstart their own business.

“My doors are open to those who are finding it difficult to take the initial step. Sometimes talking to someone who has been through it can be the motivation needed."

In a message to Bradford’s young generation, he said: “If you have a vision don't let anyone set you back. It's going to be hard and in business, it's never a straight road.

"Once you start seeing results you'll understand it's all worth it in the end run. Never give up and connect to as many people in the field as you can.”

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