In a city that celebrates its culinary heritage with unmatched pride, Heshel stands out not only for its comforting Bengali flavours but also for the inspiring story behind its kitchens. Located at *No. 3, Pathak Para Road, Behala, Heshel operates daily from **noon to 10:00 PM, offering Kolkatans a wide range of homely Bengali dishes at an extremely accessible **pocket pinch beginning from ₹30. A women-led cloud kitchen initiative supported by *PCI India, Heshel is redefining food entrepreneurship by enabling underemployed and unemployed urban women to transform their culinary skills into thriving, sustainable businesses.
Rooted in the warmth of a Bengali household, Heshel began its journey in Kolkata last year with a simple vision — to create dignified livelihood opportunities for women by equipping them with professional training, business support, and the confidence to run their own enterprises. Since then, the initiative has grown steadily, opening additional kitchens and expanding its reach through delivery platforms and a growing customer base that values authenticity, quality, and purpose.
At Heshel, every meal tells two stories: one of the region’s rich culinary traditions, and another of women stepping into leadership roles as chefs, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers. From classic Bengali staples like *Labda, Aloo Posto, Patla Masur Dal, Murgir Jhol, and **Katla Kalia, to festive favourites such as **Mochar Chop, **Bhetki Fish Fry, **Channar Dalna, and hearty, well-balanced **vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis, the menu reflects the essence of comfort cooking found in countless Bengali homes. Their Chinese offerings — including *Chowmein, Fried Rice, Chilli Chicken, and Veg Manchurian — add a versatile, everyday appeal for a wider audience.
The kitchens are run by trained women from various Self Help Groups across Kolkata. PCI India, a not-for-profit organisation with a strong national footprint, provides each entrepreneur with end-to-end support: culinary and safety training, financial literacy, enterprise management guidance, and digital capability-building. From inventory and billing systems to online order management, the women have adopted technology-led practices that ensure efficiency, transparency, and smooth operations.
Beyond sharing responsibilities in the kitchen, the team regularly undergoes mentoring and quality checks to maintain consistency in taste and service standards. With their growing digital presence and positive customer reviews, the women of Heshel are not only serving delicious, home-style food but also steadily carving a space for themselves in the competitive food services sector.
What sets Heshel apart is its belief that empowerment begins with opportunity. PCI India has previously implemented similar models in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Hyderabad under the banner of Didi’s Meal Box, and the Kolkata chapter continues this mission with renewed vigour. Through Heshel, the organisation aims to build a network of women-led micro-enterprises that are financially viable, socially impactful, and rooted in the culture of their communities.
As Heshel continues to grow across Kolkata, its kitchens remain guided by one simple philosophy — food nourishes best when made with care, and futures flourish best when supported with opportunity. With every order prepared and served, Heshel is not just feeding homes; it is shaping a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow.
