From Mopping Floors to Rs.173166020400 Empire: Meet the Man Who Made Maggi Sweat with Wai Wai Noodles

Once a humble worker, Nepal’s Binod Chaudhary built a global empire 195 hotels, business in 27 countries, and a noodle that took on multinationals

In a story straight out of a business fairytale, Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s only billionaire, rose from humble beginnings washing utensils and mopping floors to building the ₹1.73 lakh crore CG Group with a global footprint in over 200 countries. The jewel in his crown? The wildly popular Wai Wai Noodles, which emerged as a formidable competitor to giants like Nestle’s Maggi and ITC’s Yippee.

Rajasthan Roots to Nepalese Riches

The Chaudhary family originally hailed from Rajasthan, migrating to Nepal where Binod’s grandfather started a small clothing shop. His father expanded it into Arun Emporium, Nepal’s first departmental store. But when his father fell ill, Binod, just 18, had to take over the business, shelving his own education in the process.

Entrepreneurial Spark

In the 1970s, Binod Chaudhary launched a nightclub, entered the liquor import market, and gradually diversified into retail, real estate, electronics, insurance, and more. But it was a trip to Thailand that changed everything. He noticed the growing popularity of instant noodles, and upon returning to Nepal, founded Wai Wai Noodles.

Wai Wai: The Noodle That Changed the Game

With its unique taste, pre-cooked format, and quick preparation, Wai Wai quickly captured the Nepali market and spilled over into India, Sri Lanka, and beyond, shaking Maggi’s monopoly. The brand’s success made Nestlé sit up and take notice, as Wai Wai became a household name across South Asia.

Global Empire, Generational Leadership

Today, CG Group operates in 27 countries and employs over 20,000 people. Binod Chaudhary’s three sons now helm various arms of the business:

• Rahul Chaudhary, CEO of CG Hospitality, manages 195 hotels in 12 countries, with a target of 400 hotels by 2030.
• Nirvan Chaudhary oversees operations in Nepal.
• Varun Chaudhary handles the brand’s Indian business.

Future Plans

The Gurgaon-based CG Foods India, which makes Wai Wai, is preparing for an IPO by 2026. With a valuation of $16.92 billion, CG Group is showing no signs of slowing down.

Binod Chaudhary’s journey from modest beginnings to global success, remains an inspiring reminder that vision, resilience, and innovation can build empires, even from a packet of noodles.