There are few stories as heartwarming as that of Razia's Pickle in the world of culinary delights. This charming mother-daughter team, originally from the tranquil town of Kimberley in the Northern Cape, has embarked on a journey filled with love, passion, and a commitment to supporting local businesses. As we excavate into the tale of Razia's Pickle, we uncover the secret ingredients to their success.
Razia, a spirited retiree at the age of 72, spent her entire life in Kimberley until she relocated to Pretoria in 2019 to be closer to her daughter, Kareema. Transitioning from a tight-knit community to a security estate with unfamiliar neighbours was a significant adjustment. To stave off boredom, Razia turned to her culinary skills and began crafting her delectable Indian-style pickles and sauces, initially intended for Kareema's friends and colleagues.
These savoury creations were no strangers to the Razia family pantry. In fact, pickles have been a cherished tradition in Razia's family for generations, with her mother passing down treasured recipes. The demand for these mouthwatering pickles and sauces soon reached beyond the family circle. It all began with a humble invitation to a neighbourhood street market, where the response was overwhelmingly positive. This initial success led to more extensive markets, culminating in a promising venture that temporarily quieted down during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, this pause allowed them to refine their branding, create new products, and envision a brighter future.
Overcoming Challenges Through Perseverance: One of the initial challenges Razia's Pickle faced was their limited knowledge of the food industry. Both Razia and Kareema came from backgrounds unrelated to culinary arts. Building relationships with suppliers was a hurdle they had to overcome through trial and error. Today, they proudly source ingredients from small businesses, returning the support they've received.
We wanted to know what their products offerings are: Razia's Pickle offers an array of sauces, pickles, and spice mixes, all authentically Indian and prepared with love and care. These products are crafted at home, in small batches, using time-honoured family recipes passed down through generations.
Their products carry a subtle kick of flavour rather than overwhelming heat. From the Carrot Pickle to the Chilli Mayo and the recently introduced Chilli Sauce Extra Hot, there's something for every palate. The Spice Mixes, like the Butter Chicken Spice Mix, come with easy-to-follow recipes, making it possible for anyone to create restaurant-quality dishes at home.
Among their bestsellers are the Curry Leaves Sauce and Chilli Mayo, with the Butter Chicken Spice Mix gaining a dedicated following. The goal is to bring the flavours of Indian cuisine to your home kitchen with minimal effort required.
The journey of Razia's Pickle has been marked by significant milestones. They've had the privilege of being featured in recipe videos by local celebrity chef David Higgs, whose affinity for their Lemon Pickle is well-known. The invitation to exhibit at Kamers Makers, a prestigious lifestyle show highlighting local artisans, has allowed them to build a loyal customer base. They were also featured in Fairlady magazine, celebrating the founders of the Kamers show.
Supporting Local: The Heart of the Business
Razia's Pickle emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses, a sentiment that has gained traction, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's not just about helping the little guy and the local community; it's also about knowing where your food comes from and what goes into it. Conscious buying, they believe, benefits both the economy and individual health.
Life Beyond Pickles
When they're not immersed in the world of Razia's Pickle, Kareema balances her time as a full-time business owner and a consultant in her former legal profession. She's an avid reader and yoga enthusiast, finding solace and balance in these pursuits.
Razia, on the other hand, continues to express her love through cooking and indulges in needlework, cross-stitching, crocheting, and even the newfound joy of adult colouring books.
In the heartwarming journey of Razia's Pickle, we find a testament to the power of family, heritage, and the enduring support of local communities. Their story is a reminder that the flavours of tradition can find a place in the modern world, one jar at a time.