When the pandemic lockdown prompted a mother and her two daughters to experiment in their kitchen, it sparked a journey to introduce Indian homes to global flavours. Chilzo, their Mumbai-based startup, now serves thousands of customers monthly with authentic international sauces that elevate everyday meals.
- Chilzo offers sauces from Italy, Africa, Mexico, and China
- Started by a mother and her two daughters during the 2020 lockdown
- Serves around 7,000 customers monthly across major Indian cities
What happened
In 2022, sisters Dea and Ojasvi Sharma, along with their mother Hema, founded Chilzo, a homegrown food brand based in Mumbai. The idea came from their desire to make home meals more exciting by introducing authentic flavours from different parts of the world. Their product lineup includes Italian pasta sauces like marinara and arrabbiata, Moroccan red harissa, Chinese chilli oil and schezwan sauce, and Mexican condiments.
The journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2019 when dining out and hotel services were limited. The family found themselves cooking together and craving more interesting tastes than the usual meals. Using knowledge gained from Dea’s travels and a love for global cuisine, they experimented extensively, fine-tuning recipes through many attempts before sharing samples with friends and family. Positive feedback encouraged them to launch Chilzo professionally, now serving thousands of customers monthly.
Why it feels good
Chilzo resonates with India’s evolving food culture, where there is growing curiosity and appreciation for international cuisines. By offering authentic, ready-to-use sauces, the startup makes it easy for home cooks to explore diverse flavours without the complexity of sourcing ingredients or mastering foreign cooking techniques.
Beyond satisfying taste buds, the enterprise is a heartwarming story of family collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit. It highlights how a shared passion, creative problem-solving during challenging times, and dedication to quality can come together to build a successful business that brings joy and new experiences to many.
What to enjoy or watch next
Food lovers can look forward to exploring Chilzo’s range to add authentic international sauces to their pantry. Whether trying a fiery Moroccan harissa or a tangy Italian marinara, these products offer a gateway to global kitchens from home. Those keen on cooking can experiment by pairing these sauces with their favorite dishes or inventing new recipes inspired by different cultures.
Chilzo’s story also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women and families, to leverage their unique experiences and passions into ventures that connect with people’s everyday lives. Watching how Chilzo expands and innovates in the Indian culinary market will be exciting for anyone interested in food, business, and cultural exchange.