Tirupati Masala

Out in Kuruchi Nagar, Sukkampatti, you will find Tirupati Masala. We’ve been operating from this same spot for quite a while. It’s a quiet place compared to the city, which suits us just fine. We handle all the masala grinding ourselves. We get the raw ingredients from the local markets, dry them out under the sun, and then process them. You can see the trays of chilies and turmeric sitting out when the weather is clear. We don’t use those high-end industrial machines that you see in big factories. Our setup is much more basic and hands-on. It takes more time, but we think the result is better that way. The neighborhood is small, so everyone knows where we are. We don’t have a proper storefront with a glass door or a receptionist. You just walk in and you’ll likely find us covered in spice dust. Sometimes the local kids come by to see what we are doing. We sell mostly to the families living around here and some small shops in the nearby villages. It’s a lot of physical labor, moving heavy sacks and tending to the grinders. We don't have a mission statement or any corporate goals. We just want to make enough to keep the lights on and help our neighbors get the ingredients they need for their kitchens. It’s a simple, steady way to live.