The idea for Mithila Foods was born not in a boardroom, but in a distant hostel room at IIT Bombay. Three friends—Shubham Sunderka (CEO) and brothers Ankit Kumar (COO) and Anshu Kumar—all hailing from the Bihar-Jharkhand region, realized a common problem: the deep longing for authentic regional staples like sattu, katarni chuda, and makhana that simply weren’t available in big cities.
For years, every trip home meant carrying back kilograms of these items, a clear sign of a massive, unserved market gap. In 2024, the trio decided to bridge this cultural and culinary distance, establishing Mithila Foods as a Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brand based in Dumka, Jharkhand, with the mission of bringing the traditional taste of Bihar to metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
The Menu: Authentic Flavours and Superfood Staples
Mithila Foods specializes in authentic, regional products from Bihar and Jharkhand, focusing on both heritage and health. The brand currently offers over 25 Stock-Keeping Units (SKUs) of products sourced directly from local farmers and small businesses in the Mithila region.
The Bestsellers:
- Roasted Chana: Positioned as a clean, roasted superfood and a healthier alternative to popcorn.
- Sattu: A natural, high plant-protein source, available in plain, jeera, and jaggery flavours, often preferred over commercial protein supplements.
- Regional Specialties: The catalogue includes unique staples like Govindbhog rice, katarni chuda (flattened rice), Jharkhand’s Gumla ragi atta, and Bihari makhana powder.
The Commitment to Purity:
A key differentiator for Mithila Foods is its commitment to traditional methods and purity. The products are naturally rich in nutrients and fibre, with shorter shelf lives because the company strictly avoids harmful additives, palm oil, or artificial colours.
Growth, Funding, and a Global Ambition
Starting with an initial investment of just ₹3 lakh and facing operational hurdles like setting up proper processing and packaging in a small town like Dumka, Mithila Foods has demonstrated remarkable growth.
- Financial Velocity: The startup boasts a 40% monthly growth rate and is generating ₹30–35 lakh in monthly revenue, with a goal to hit ₹1 crore by Diwali.
- Investor Backing: In January 2025, the brand secured ₹1.5 crore in seed funding from Aviral Bhatnagar of AJVC, aimed primarily at scaling its online presence.
- Expansion Plans:
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- Global Reach: The brand is set to enter the US market after shipping inventory to Amazon USA to cater to the Indian diaspora.
- Offline Push: Plans are underway to expand into physical retail by partnering with major supermarket chains and local stores, including DMart and Reliance.
- Empowering Local Women: The company also plans to bring products like thekua and Bihar-style pickles in-house, creating employment opportunities for local women.
Cultural Impact: Breaking Stereotypes
More than just a food brand, Mithila Foods aims to be a cultural ambassador. Through its tagline, ‘the traditional taste of Bihar,’ and its dedicated social media page, Mithila Stories, the brand seeks to celebrate the region’s rich culture, art, and professional successes. The founders are determined to challenge the common stereotypes associated with Bihar and Jharkhand, showcasing them as regions of innovation and cultural wealth.
By connecting migrants with the culinary traditions of their hometowns, Mithila Foods is building a business that is deeply rooted in heritage and poised for national, and even international, recognition.
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