Once mocked for his accent and left with zero customers, Rinchen, a home chef from Sikkim, has now become Kolkata’s very own ‘Momo King’ — a name that symbolizes resilience, passion, and the power of never giving up.
From Corporate Life to Cooking on the Streets
Rinchen was once a corporate employee living a regular city life until personal and financial struggles turned everything upside down. Facing depression and uncertainty, he decided to quit his job and start over — this time doing something close to his heart: selling momos, a delicacy he grew up making with his mother.
But when he set up his small momo stall in Kolkata, things didn’t go as planned. There were no customers, no recognition, and no sales. Yet, instead of shutting down, Rinchen did something remarkable — he started giving away momos for free.
The Turning Point: Kindness That Cooked Success
Every day, Rinchen handed out hundreds of free momos to passersby. This gesture wasn’t just an act of generosity; it was his way of introducing people to his craft and building trust. Slowly, his dumplings began to speak for themselves — the flavours, the aroma, and the warmth of his story drew people in.
Word spread, and people started returning, this time to pay for his momos.
Beating Criticism with Consistency
To reach a wider audience, Rinchen began uploading cooking videos on social media. But the internet wasn’t kind in the beginning. Many mocked his accent and presentation.
Instead of being discouraged, Rinchen decided to learn, improve, and grow from it. His honesty, simplicity, and genuine love for food began to shine through every reel and video.
Soon, his content went viral — and what started as criticism turned into admiration. Followers grew in thousands, then lakhs, all drawn to his authenticity and hard work.
From Free Momos to Four-Lakh Followers
Today, Rinchen’s shop is always buzzing. Long queues stretch outside as people wait for his iconic rose momos, a creation that has now become the talk of Kolkata’s food scene.
He has also opened his own restaurant — a dream that once felt distant. With over 4 lakh followers online, Rinchen has turned his small momo stall into a brand that inspires countless young dreamers.
Recognition from His Roots
Recently, Rinchen received special appreciation from Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who praised his dedication and success. On Instagram, Rinchen shared an emotional post saying,
“I never imagined that my passion for cooking would take me this far. Dreams do come true if you work hard and believe in yourself.”
From the streets of Kolkata to the hearts of millions, Rinchen’s journey is proof that failure isn’t the end — it’s often the beginning of something extraordinary.
