Lakshmi Masalas

Situated at Plot No. 2-13-485/5 in the Laxmi Starch Colony, Lakshmi Masalas has been part of the Tarnaka area for quite some time. Since Nagarjuna Nagar Colony is right nearby, we get a lot of local folks stopping in throughout the day. Especially when the grinders are running in the back, the whole place smells like ground spices. For those who aren't used to it, the scent can be a bit overwhelming. When the chili powder is being packed, we all end up sneezing. Rather than a fancy store front, we have a practical space where we process and bag everything ourselves. No matter how much we sweep, the floors are often covered in a fine dust of turmeric or cumin. We use a mix of old-fashioned scales and newer ones to get the weights right. As a family-run operation, there is always someone around to talk to or help out. Formal mission statements aren't really our thing; we just focus on getting the spices cleaned and packed for the day. You have to look closely for the sign near the gate since the building is a bit tucked away. Whenever the power goes out, we have to wait a bit to start the machines again. Even though the motors make the room warm and the work is hard, it’s what we know how to do best. We close up and head home around seven each night.