When Rahul looks back on his life, he reflects on how he has spent it in two halves, one in Delhi and the other in New Zealand.
Something that has stuck with him through the years is his true love for food and cooking, Rahul says.
“I’ve always worked in hospitality. When I moved to New Zealand, I studied cooking and baking. I was a young man who wanted to go out with friends, but I used to wake up at 2am to make pastries!” he laughs.
After a few years, he decided that he needed a break from cooking and took up work in a corporate job.
Though he was uncertain about his new career path, life had bigger plans for him and he ended up meeting his future wife at work.
They had twin boys, and this flung him back into the world of cooking.
“We started Chaiwalla six years ago because I wanted to be home and look after our boys. You’ve got to have a good work and life balance. Otherwise, what are you living for?” says Rahul.
“I started with a small trailer, and a small amount of money. I really struggled at the start but we did it. Starting a small business and believing in it takes a lot of courage.”