Jayeeta Das
Owner
Punjabiyat Restaurant
Ms. Jayeeta Das is a visionary entrepreneur and the proud owner of Punjabiyat Restaurant in Kolkata. With a background in arts and over 20 years of dedicated homemaking, Ms. Das embarked on a transformative journey that led her to establish Punjabiyat, a culinary haven offering an unparalleled Punjabi dining experience. Inspired by a spiritual encounter in Amritsar and fueled by a passion for authentic Punjabi flavors, Ms. Das has successfully navigated the challenges of the industry, breaking gender barriers and creating a space where every dish tells a story of love, culture, and heritage. Her commitment to quality, innovation, and fostering equality makes her a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, seeking success in the dynamic world of culinary business
Let’s learn about her journey.
The InCAP: Ms. Jayeeta Das, please share your professional and academic peregrination for our readers!
Ms. Jayeeta Das: I completed my arts degree more than 20 years ago, during which I raised my son to be a young adult while working full-time as a housewife. Now, armed with my travel and culinary experiences, I have launched this business with 50 direct and indirect workers..
What inspired you to transition from being a homemaker to an entrepreneur in the culinary industry?
The inspiration behind my transition from being a homemaker to an entrepreneur in the culinary industry originated from a deeply personal and transformative experience. Twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Amritsar’s DurgeyanaMandir, a visit that left an indelible mark on my culinary journey. This encounter with the rich heritage and authentic flavours of Punjab became the catalyst for my venture, Punjabiyat.
As my husband Ritwik Das and I found ourselves drawn to the warmth of Punjab after our son left for higher education, our exploration of the rural lanes of Punjab deepened our connection with Punjabi cuisine and culture. Punjabiyat is more than just a restaurant; it’s an actualisation of our cherished memories spent in Punjab, a sentiment we wanted to share with the people of Kolkata.
In a city teeming with Punjabi eateries, Punjabiyat stands out as the epitome of authenticity. Our culinary haven in Dumdum Nagerbazar is a testament to my commitment to providing food enthusiasts in Kolkata with an unparalleled and unpartitioned Punjabi dining experience.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that motivated you to start Punjabiyat restaurant?
The pivotal moment that fueled the inception of Punjabiyat restaurant can be traced back to a profound visit I had to Amritsar’s Durgeyana Mandir twenty-five years ago. This
spiritual encounter left an indelible mark on my culinary aspirations, inspiring me to initiate a journey to introduce the authentic flavours of Punjab to the vibrant city of Kolkata.
As my husband Ritwik and I found ourselves drawn to the warmth of Punjab after our son’s departure for higher education, our exploration of the rural alleys deepened our connection with Punjabi cuisine and culture. This immersive experience sowed the seeds for what would later become Punjabiyat. For me, Punjabiyat isn’t merely a restaurant; it encapsulates an entire experience and sentiment that echoes the cherished memories of our time spent in Punjab.
In the midst of a city adorned with numerous Punjabi eateries, Punjabiyat stands out as a beacon of authenticity. The culinary journey from DurgeyanaMandir to the bustling streets of Kolkata has materialized into a haven for Punjabi delights, where every dish is meticulously crafted with passion and precision.
The establishment of Punjabiyat’s first branch in Dumdum Nagerbazar is a direct manifestation of my dedication to offering food enthusiasts in Kolkata an unparalleled and unpartitioned Punjabi dining experience. The carefully curated menu showcases the diverse flavours of Punjab, inviting patrons to savour the true essence of Punjabi cuisine. Punjabiyat, for me, is a celebration of love, culture, and the rich heritage of Punjab, resonating with every dish served and every guest welcomed into our vibrant culinary world.
Ms. Jayeeta Das, What challenges did you face in the initial stages of establishing Punjabiyat, and how did you overcome them?
One of the issues we faced when we first launched Punjabiyat was getting the people of Calcutta to develop an interest and trust in the flavours of authentic Punjabi food served in our restaurant. We overcame that drawback through our unparalleled food quality and unique taste.
As a successful female entrepreneur, how do you navigate and overcome gender-related challenges in the business world?
As a successful female entrepreneur, navigating gender-related challenges in the business world has been a journey of persistence and determination. At Punjabiyat, my restaurant, I focus on fostering a culture of equality and meritocracy, ensuring that talent and dedication are recognized irrespective of gender. Building a strong support network, both within the industry and beyond, has been crucial in overcoming obstacles. Embracing my unique perspective as a woman in the business world has allowed me to bring innovation to
Punjabiyat and contribute to breaking down gender barriers in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Can you share any unique or signature dishes at Punjabiyat that you believe set it apart from other restaurants?
Every dish on our carefully curated menu, from the rich and creamy Punjabi Lassi to the aromatic Murgh Rahara Punjabi and the delectable Paneer Hunza, is crafted with passion and precision. Punjabiyat is not just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience that encapsulates the true essence of Punjabi cuisine. My journey from Durgeyana Mandir to the bustling streets of Kolkata has allowed me to create a space where each dish tells a story of love, culture, and the vibrant heritage of Punjab. This transition from homemaker to entrepreneur has been fueled by my desire to share the authentic flavours of Punjab and create a haven for those seeking an unpartitioned taste of Punjabi delights in the heart of Kolkata. Apart from this, as I have already travelled 50 countries, I have noticed that the people from different countries are crazy about Punjabi food. So I was so eager to establish my dream “Punjabiyat” at one of the best food hub of India “Kolkata”.
Ms. Jayeeta Das, as a source of inspiration for many, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, looking to enter the culinary business?
I appreciate the recognition, and I’m honoured to be seen as a source of inspiration. To aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women venturing into the culinary business, my advice would be to embrace your passion wholeheartedly. Follow your love for food and cooking, and let it be the driving force behind your venture.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and be innovative in your approach. The culinary industry is dynamic, and creativity often takes successful ventures ahead. Explore unique flavours, techniques, and concepts that reflect your personality and style.
Also, advocate for yourself and other women in the industry. Support each other, share experiences, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse culinary landscape. Your journey can inspire others, and together, we can break down barriers and promote equality in the entrepreneurial world.
Quick Chat With Jayeeta Das
The most outstanding achievement of your life as of now:
Motherhood.
The greatest philosopher in your view:
My husband, Ritwik Das.
Your Icon:
Ratan Tata.
Name the most influential books you have read:
Start with Why by Simon Sinek.
Your greatest fear:
To be not be able to achieve a certain goal.
Best piece of advice you’ve received:
Go ahead fearlessly with the flow.
You in only three words:
Dedicated, Responsible and Compassionate.
Skill Set
Hard Skills: My proficiency in strategic business planning, , and industry-specific expertise empowers me to adeptly navigate challenges, ensuring the successful advancement of my entrepreneurial endeavours.
Soft Skills: Demonstrating robust interpersonal and communication abilities, I skillfully navigate business hurdles with empathy and resilience. My outstanding emotional intelligence cultivates collaborative relationships, playing a key role in my achievements in leadership and innovation.
Prayer For The Human Civilization:
May the prayers of all of us together create a fabric of strength, kindness, and abundance for everyone on Earth in the spirit of harmony and prosperity. Let our common goals transcend boundaries, nurturing an international community that values empowerment, variety, and sustainability.
The InCAP: Thank you, Ms. Jayeeta Das! It’s a glittering conversation with you!
Ms. Jayeeta Das: My pleasure! Wish you all the best! Thank you.
To read more about Professional’s stories, Please Click Here!
