Spice shop seasoned with passion
WITH names like the mother-in-law exterminator, skop-en-donder and atom bomb special, one may wonder what business Sanusha Moodliar-Ponen is really in. But worry not, these are the names she and her family have coined for spices.
“We gave the spice names that we thought would attract customers,” said Moodliar-Ponen, 45, of Chatsworth.
She co-owns Thirupathi Spices at the Victoria Street Market.
“We also have ’honeymoon spice’ that foreign tourists are attracted to. The unusual names intrigue them. They are then curious to know what the potential taste of a meal could be after they use the spice and as a result, they are more inclined to buy it.”
If there is anyone who knows spices, it’s Moodliar-Ponen.
“My four sisters and I used to go to the market during the school holidays and we learnt the art of blending spices from our late father, Thirupathi ‘Deena’ Moodliar.
“We also learnt how to sell and speak to customers.”
She remains hands-on in daily business operations. The mother of two said she left her job as a teacher to work full time at the shop.
Over the years she has featured in an episode of MasterChef Australia with the 2011 finalist Hayden Quinn; and on a BBC show with Reza Mahammad, a British chef and TV personality.
She has also given tips on curry powder spice combinations to Gordon Ramsay, the renowned British chef and restaurateur, during his trip to Durban.
She said her grandfather, Apadovi Moodley, started the family-run business, selling grain such as wheat, oats, rice, and barley. Her father then took over and he introduced the spice element.
“My dad also made a lot of innovative products such as breyani spice, wet masala and rice spice. This made cooking fast and easy as people were too busy by the time they got home from work to stand in the kitchen.”
Like her dad had introduced a new element to the spice range, so did his daughters.
“We have added authentic African products and healing products such as turmeric, moringa powder and ginger, and for cleansing and drawing positive energy.
“In addition, we have holy ash (umlotha).
“This is sacred ash made of burnt dried wood and burnt cow dung that we get from our suppliers. It is used to chase away bad spirits.”
Moodliar-Ponen said while business had been challenging, more so during the Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions, she continued to persevere.
“I am passionate about our spices and products and love working with people. This drives me.”