From Corporate Boardroom to Street Food Empire: The Remarkable Journey of Saket Saurabh
In India's dynamic corporate environment, professionals frequently switch organizations seeking better compensation and career advancement. However, one extraordinary narrative has captured national attention—a story of abandoning financial security for the aromatic steam of street-side dumplings. Gurgaon-based entrepreneur Saket Saurabh made the bold decision to trade his substantial paycheck for spices, capitalizing on India's enduring love affair with momos.
Meet the Visionary Behind The Momos Mafia
Saket Saurabh, co-founder and CEO of The Momos Mafia, made headlines when he resigned from his position as a product manager at FlixStock in September 2023. He walked away from an impressive annual package of ₹52 lakh to pursue his culinary dreams. In a February 6, 2026 interview with Hindustan Times, Saurabh expressed his ambition to establish "a recognizable dumplings brand in India" despite leaving behind a stable income.
His Instagram announcement video, captioned "50 lakh ki job resign kar chale momo business karne," garnered nearly 300,000 views. In the viral clip, Saurabh declared, "From road-side cart to a proper franchising business. Every step earned. And this is just the beginning."
Family Roots and Culinary Experimentation
After graduating from NIFT Delhi in 2014, Saket co-founded Wowflux, which was subsequently acquired by FlixStock. While still employed in the corporate sector, he began assisting his sister and brother-in-law at Gurgaon's Bamboo Cafe. There, he observed that momos consistently outsold traditional favorites like parathas and biryani.
As revealed in his HT.com interview, the family initially tested a simple canopy selling exclusively momos, followed by a cart at Infotech that generated daily revenues between ₹10,000 and ₹12,000. These early experiments laid the foundation for what would become a thriving business enterprise.
Overcoming Significant Business Challenges
The Momos Mafia officially launched in January 2024 with partners Ekta Kumari, Gautam, Surya Prakash, and Shubham Thakur. The venture immediately encountered multiple obstacles including authorities removing carts, staffing difficulties, and adverse weather conditions. Saket explained to HT.com, "A ₹500 crore brand cannot be built around carts alone."
This realization prompted a strategic pivot to what they term a "CSR model" or Cart Service Restaurant approach. This innovative hybrid combines cozy indoor shops with strategically placed carts outside. Today, the business operates 40 carts, 20 outlets, and two quick-service restaurants spanning seven Indian states.
Remarkable Revenue Growth and Financial Success
The financial trajectory of The Momos Mafia demonstrates consistent and impressive growth. During the initial three-month period from January to March 2024, the business generated ₹16 lakh in revenue. The following fiscal year 2024-25 saw earnings skyrocket to ₹2.2 crore. Current projections indicate revenues approaching ₹3 crore for the present year, bringing the total to over ₹5 crore in just two and a half years of operation according to the HT report.
Strategic Advice for Aspiring Momo Entrepreneurs
Saket Saurabh offers valuable insights for those considering entering the momo business. He told Hindustan Times, "Start with a proper outlet. Do not begin with a stall. While a stall might earn you perhaps one, two, or four lakh rupees, when you envision larger numbers and a legitimate business enterprise, commence with an established outlet. This represents one of my most significant professional learnings."
His journey from corporate professional to culinary entrepreneur serves as an inspiring testament to following one's passion while identifying genuine market opportunities within India's vibrant food industry.
