Popular carmaker Suzuki Motor took an unlikely business step earlier this year — launching its own line of boil-in-the-bag curries. The flavourful offerings were first developed for Indian employees in Japan and offered them a nostalgic taste of home. They are currently available for sale in Japanese stores with greater emphasis on the Hamamatsu region where the company is headquartered.
According to a May report by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the curries were developed for the company cafeteria in Hamamatsu. The flavours had reportedly won favour among Indian employees who said it tasted like the cooking in their home country. Suzuki had eventually decided to produce and sell boil-in-the-bag versions after it became popular among the workers.
Months of taste tests had eventually culminated in four Indian curry variants that were launched on June 25 — the only food venture announced by the car company till date. They are reportedly sold online for 918 yen (approximately $6) each.
What are the spices sold by Suzuki?
The popular carmaker currently offers four vegetarian curries: Daikon Radish Sambar, Tomato Lentil Dal, Brown Chickpea Masala, and Green Moong Dal Curry. The pouches are sold in Japanese stores and each features packaging inspired by iconic Suzuki vehicles — including the Jimny SUV, Swift hatchback, Hayabusa superbike, and V-Strom motorcycle models. The dishes can be prepared by either boiling the sealed pouch or microwaving its contents.