This exclusive betel shop is simply paan-tastic

It is the brainchild of father-son duo Praveen Daga and Vijay Roshan Daga, who hail from a Marwari background. In fact, Kattha Chuna is one of the very few, if not the only, betel shops in India which is FSSAI certified.

Explaining the need for such an outlet in Chennai, Praveen says, “It wouldn’t be an aberration if we say that paan, from very ancient times, has been an integral part of our rich cultural heritage, mainly because of its immense health benefits. 

We realised that this healthy tradition is slowly and gradually losing out its glorious sheen because of paan shops being surrounded with smokers and tobacco chewers, and hence felt it was necessary to open a parlour that is safe for everyone to visit.”

Some of their specialties are paan wrapped with a 24K gold leaf and other innovative flavours such as Kesar Delight, Fire, Chocolate, Strawberry, Rabdi and so on. 

They also serve milkshakes and other beverages, for which all the ingredients are sourced from across the country. “Our milkshakes are made out of fresh fruits, which are directly sourced from mandies that are closest to the harvesting zone for example, strawberries from Mumbai, Alphonso mangoes from Ratnagiri and so on,” shares Vijay.

A signature milkshake of theirs is the Shahi Makhan Rabdi. “It’s made from milk and Spanish saffron — by simmering the milk at a low temperature, wherein all the essential nutrients of the milk remain intact. It is served in a clay pot, also known as kulhad,” he adds.

The current outlet is located in Shenoy Nagar and the second shop is coming up on Nungambakkam High Road.