In the ever-evolving culinary landscape of Bengaluru, where global cuisines meet regional authenticity, Mast Marathi stands as a heartfelt tribute to Maharashtra’s rich food heritage. Behind this beloved brand is Swati Kaviraj an entrepreneur whose journey blends tradition, courage, resilience, and global exposure.
Swati’s story is not merely about starting a restaurant. It is about rediscovering identity, embracing entrepreneurship, and building something meaningful from the heart.
Born and raised in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Swati grew up in a home where food was deeply emotional. Maharashtrian cuisine was not just about recipes, it was about culture, rituals, and family bonds. Cooking and sharing meals became her natural strength and joy.
Her academic and professional journey later took her to Bengaluru, where she pursued higher education and built a successful career in the IT sector. Alongside her husband Shekar, she enjoyed corporate stability and professional growth. Yet, something felt incomplete the absence of authentic Maharashtrian flavours in a city she now called home.
Encouraged by Shekar, a proud Kannadiga and a passionate food lover, Swati decided to take a bold leap.
In 2019, the couple founded Mast Marathi with a simple yet powerful vision:
To serve real, homely, traditional Maharashtrian food without shortcuts, without compromises, and with honest ingredients.
Entering the food and beverage industry without prior experience was daunting. The journey was filled with learning curves, operational challenges, and soon after, the unexpected disruption of the global pandemic. Yet, Swati’s belief in authenticity and quality never wavered.
Today, Mast Marathi is more than a restaurant. It is an experience where customers find comfort, nostalgia, and a sense of belonging. The menu celebrates classics like Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Zunka Bhakar, Varan Bhaat, and traditional thalis each dish prepared with the same warmth one would expect at home.
Swati firmly believes that you don’t need to be Maharashtrian to love Maharashtrian food. If you value soulful, simple, and heartfelt meals you belong.
While building Mast Marathi, Swati continued investing in her own growth as a leader. One of the most significant milestones in her entrepreneurial journey was her participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women (GS10K) Program at IIM Bangalore.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women is a prestigious global initiative designed to foster economic growth by empowering women entrepreneurs through world-class business and management education, mentoring, networking, and access to capital.
The program is founded on a powerful belief:
Investing in women entrepreneurs leads to economic growth and stronger communities.
Being selected for the GS10K program at IIM Bangalore was both an honour and a transformative experience for Swati. The curriculum provided strategic insights into financial management, marketing, scaling operations, leadership development, and long-term business sustainability.
Receiving her GS10K certificate marked more than an academic achievement, it symbolized her commitment to structured growth, professional excellence, and responsible entrepreneurship.
Guidance from her mentor, Professor Sunil Handa at IIM Bangalore, played a crucial role in strengthening her journey, especially in developing a strong client-oriented perspective.
The exposure expanded her perspective from running a restaurant to building a scalable, resilient brand. It strengthened her strategic thinking, enhanced operational systems, and connected her with a powerful network of women leaders across industries.
Swati’s leadership style is a blend of emotional intelligence and operational discipline. Her corporate background gives her structural clarity, while her cultural roots give her authenticity.
She believes in:
- Quality over compromise
• Consistency over trends
• Community over competition
• Learning as a lifelong process
Her journey from HR Manager in IT Industry to restaurateur to globally trained entrepreneur reflects adaptability and courage. Each phase added depth to her leadership.
Mast Marathi beautifully represents unity in diversity. A Maharashtrian founder and a Kannadiga co-founder bringing regional flavours to Namma Bengaluru symbolizes harmony across cultures.
The restaurant embraces the warmth of Bengaluru while preserving the culinary traditions of Maharashtra. It has become a gathering space for Maharashtrian seeking home flavours and for locals eager to explore regional Indian cuisine.
Swati’s story is also part of a larger narrative women redefining entrepreneurship in India. Through Mast Marathi and her GS10K participation, she contributes not just to the hospitality sector but to the broader ecosystem of women-led enterprises.
Her journey reinforces the idea that businesses built with authenticity, continuous learning, and cultural pride create sustainable impact.
Looking forward, Swati envisions Mast Marathi growing responsibly expanding reach while preserving authenticity. The goal is not rapid scaling at the cost of quality, but thoughtful growth rooted in values.
With global exposure from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women and deep local connection through her restaurant, she stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation.
From Chandrapur’s kitchens to IIM Bangalore’s classrooms, from corporate boardrooms to bustling restaurant floors, Swati Kaviraj’s journey is a testament to resilience, learning, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Because sometimes, the most powerful businesses are born not from market trends but from the courage to honour your roots and the discipline to grow beyond them.
