“The idea for Amsterdam Fries came to me during a trip to Amsterdam, where I noticed people enjoying iconic fries with unique seasonings and sauces. I realized there was a gap in the Indian market for this kind of offering. After a year of research, I decided to bring Amsterdam’s famous fries to India, and first to our Chandigarh,” Kalra said.

In 2024, he launched Amsterdam Fries in collaboration with Super Donuts, an established brand with over 23 outlets across 8 states. Today, Amsterdam Fries are available at all the 23 outlets throughout. It’s available at stores across Haryana, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Punjab and other states.

In an interaction with The Indian Express, Kalra revealed he always had a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship and that’s why he preferred Humanities despite his family encouraging him to pursue either Commerce or Science stream.

“After completing my schooling in Chandigarh, I further honed my skills with a food course abroad. My family’s support has been invaluable throughout my journey, fueling my entrepreneurial spirit and helping me turn my vision into reality,” he added.

In the summer of 2022 during his visit to Amsterdam, Kalra was “intrigued” by the sight of people enjoying large cones filled with the famous Amsterdam fries, served with a variety of unique seasonings and sauces.

“The product fascinated me, and I saw a great potential to introduce it to India, a market that is rapidly growing, especially among Millennials and Gen Z, who love trying new food trends.

“After conducting thorough research, I developed a concept where the fries would be served in cones, just like in Amsterdam, with vibrant, pop-style branding in bold orange,” he elaborated.

With a menu that includes unique flavors like “Uma Garlic Truffle, OG Chicken Keema, Chicken Tikka, Southwest Smoke, Vegan Keema”, Kalra launched Amsterdam Fries in May 2024.

“We’re sourcing our seasonings and sauces directly from Amsterdam to ensure authenticity. With the popularity of these fries in Amsterdam and the growing demand for unique food experiences in India, I’m excited to bring this concept nationwide.”

Kalra aims to expand even further with cloud kitchens in major cities nationwide. “In the next two years, we aim to open 50 physical stores. Additionally, we are rolling out a franchise model, which is set to launch this month. We’ve meticulously designed this model to address common challenges in franchising, making it simple and hassle-free for anyone to open an Amsterdam Fries outlet anywhere in India. The best part is that our franchise model starts at just Rs 5 lakh, offering an accessible entry point for potential franchisees. With such a strong foundation and exciting growth plans, Amsterdam Fries is poised to make a major impact across India,” he added.

The entrepreneur calls Chandigarh a hub of talent, and recognized the “significant growth” experienced by the Tricity recently, and stressed that a growing number of entrepreneurs are relocating to Chandigarh from cities like Delhi and others across the country, attracted by its potential.

“The rise of multinational companies with large offices in Mohali and Chandigarh indicates that the city is not only drawing talent from elsewhere but also offering competitive salaries and career opportunities similar to those in major metropolitan areas.”

However, Kalra suggested that for the ‘City Beautiful’ to retain its talent, it needs to increase its support to entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. “While the shift to an online business environment has made entrepreneurship more accessible, offering more freedom and a supportive framework from the administration would go a long way in fostering innovation and business growth. Simplifying business procedures and offering greater ease of doing business would create a more conducive environment for both new start-ups and established companies.

“Additionally, as real estate prices continue to rise, it is evident that there is vast potential for further development in the region. With all these factors in mind, Chandigarh is poised to become not only a great place to live and work but also an ideal destination to build a successful career or business. If these opportunities are harnessed effectively, Chandigarh can retain its talent and continue to thrive as a city of opportunity,” he added.

For start-ups to flourish, the entrepreneur said although there are several new financial schemes designed to provide start-up capital by the government, there is a need for greater awareness and visibility of these initiatives. Kalra also said “enhanced marketing efforts” would help aspiring entrepreneurs better navigate these opportunities and secure the funding they need to grow their businesses.

“In addition to financial support, there is a need for more streamlined administrative processes. For instance, making all licensing and registration procedures available online would significantly ease the burden on entrepreneurs. Simplifying these processes would ensure greater accessibility and efficiency, helping businesses get off the ground with fewer hurdles,” he suggested.

Lauding the “new wave of young and dynamic bureaucrats who are supportive of both start-ups and established businesses”, Kalra said that this shift has been “encouraging” and will benefit the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the city.

In his free time, the entrepreneur, who describes himself as a “music enthusiast” unwinds by listening to his favorite tracks to de-stress. He also loves long drives, especially those that take him to new destinations. “Traveling is a big part of my life. I love exploring new places around the world, particularly those off the beaten path, where I can discover hidden gems and exclusive spots.

“Food and drinks are another passion of mine, so I’m always on the lookout for new restaurants and unique dining experiences, whether it’s in my own city or abroad. Meeting new people and hearing their stories is something I genuinely enjoy. It broadens my perspective and keeps things interesting,” he added.

The 33-year-old further said that fashion and architecture inspire him too. “I love seeing how different cultures express their creativity around the world. It’s all about experiencing new things, staying inspired, and finding moments to unwind in between.”

To all the budding entrepreneurs out there, Kalra’s message is simple. “Believe in your vision and stay relentless. The journey is never easy, and there will be countless challenges along the way, but every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Elaborating further, Kalra said though passion is key since one needs to have a deep love for what he/she does, consistency is important too, along with discipline and ability to adapt. “In an industry like ours, where trends shift constantly, staying flexible and open to change is crucial,” he suggested.

“Surround yourself with the right people. Build a strong network, seek mentors, and collaborate with those who share your values. The relationships you form will help propel you forward. Never underestimate the power of learning from others, especially those who have walked the path before you.

“Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail. Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Keep evolving, keep experimenting, and keep pushing boundaries. The only true failure is giving up. And remember, success doesn’t come overnight. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust the process. If you stay true to your purpose and put in the hard work, success will follow,” he added.

As someone who has traveled extensively across the world, Kalra feels incredibly blessed to have been born and raised in the ‘City Beautiful’. With its clean air, lush greenery, and friendly, well-traveled people, it’s truly one of the happiest places to live, according to the entrepreneur.

“The serenity of Chandigarh lifts me, even on the most challenging days.”

However, he wished that the city had less traffic. “I fondly remember a time when Chandigarh’s streets were more peaceful, and I’m hopeful that with the ongoing metro projects and other infrastructure plans, the traffic will soon be manageable again.

“But no matter what, Chandigarh remains a city I’m proud to call home. As an entrepreneur, I’m immensely grateful for the opportunities it has provided me, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow,” he concluded.