Salvi Masala

Salvi Masala is located at Shop No 2 in Ambabai Chawl, Goregaon West. We are right in the middle of a busy residential area where everyone knows everyone else. My father started this small spice business decades ago, and I took over when he got too old to handle the heavy bags. The main thing you notice when you walk in is the smell. It is very strong because we grind all our own spices right here. We have two large machines that make a lot of noise and produce a bit of heat. The walls are stained a light orange from all the turmeric dust over the years. We don't sell fancy packaged goods; mostly people bring their own jars and we fill them up by weight. It’s a very practical way of doing things. We don't have any staff, just me and occasionally my cousin if he’s not busy with his own work. The chawl life is noisy and crowded, but it means we always have customers nearby. During the monsoon, the roof leaks a little in one corner, so we have to move the bags of chilies to the other side. It’s just one of those things you deal with. We don't use any modern marketing. People just know we are here because they can smell the spices from the end of the street. It’s a steady, simple life.