MIRA HARIE,
THE SPICE EMPORIUM
If Mira Harie isn’t a household name, her family business, The Spice Emporium, definitely is. Her great-grandfather started the business in the early 1900s when he arrived in Durban from Gujarat,
India. “Good food has always played a central role in my family, from the business to family events where planning the meals was just as important as the time we spent together. My dad was an absolute foodie, and finding and sharing great food shaped who I am today. I always joked that the business was an unofficial sibling.”
However, Mira took her time to work out her journey before joining the business. “I knew it was not something to take lightly, so after completing my tertiary education in graphic design and brand management, I chose to work at an ad agency. After a couple of years I realised that I could carve out a role at The Spice Emporium and make a valuable contribution.”
Now over 100 years old, The Spice
Emporium remains true to her greatgrandfather’s vision, but has grown to include retail and wholesale in Durban, a number of kiosks in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg, and an online store. Alongside their famous spices they also sell a variety of products including rice, grains, lentils, traditional Indian snacks and incense.
“Our customers are a complete cross-section of South Africans, expat Africans, south Asians and tourists,” says Mira, which is testament to Durban’s rich cultural community. “I love how inclusive it is here – every home, no matter what race or socio-economic background, has had curry or samp and beans made in its kitchen.”
She credits small businesses for making an impact on South African cuisine. “We’ve made Indian spices and flavours widely accessible. It's possible to buy a fried samoosa anywhere from a tuckshop to a national supermarket, and just think of how globally known our bunny chow has become. It’s such an incredible legacy.” spiceemporium.co.za
“Every home, no matter what race, has had curry or samp and beans made in its kitchen”
– Mira Harie