My Days with Errakaaram — A Fresh, Spicy, Versatile Journey in South Africa

W hen I first arrived in South Africa, one of the things that struck me most was how deeply people here celebrate food. Whether it’s a quick stop for biltong and crisps, or a weekend braai with family, every meal feels like an occasion — warm, full of laughter, and alive with flavor.

On one of my first visits to Checkers, I discovered aisles dedicated to chutney — bottles of Mrs Ball’s, fruit chutneys, chutney-flavoured chips, and even chutney-inspired crackers. That’s when I realised something familiar: just like in India, South Africans love their chutney. Sweet, spicy, tangy — chutney here is everyday joy.

Arrival in South Africa

Before flying out, I had asked my co-founder — and wife — to pack a couple of jars of Errakaaram. “Just in case I miss Indian flavours,” I told her. I assumed I might use them occasionally, but they quickly became the heart of my South African kitchen.

Cooking in a new country can feel unfamiliar — different ingredients, different rhythm — but Errakaaram made it effortless. I didn’t chase the exact taste of home; I let the chutney become part of the new flavours around me.

Fusion Cooking Begins

My first food experiment began after a visit to Checkers. I saw rows of coleslaw packs — a staple in South African homes, especially during braais. The creamy crunch balances smoky grilled meats beautifully.

That gave me an idea. I cooked rice, tossed cabbage from a coleslaw pack into a pan, and added a spoon of Errakaaram. The aroma — smoky, garlicky, spicy — filled the kitchen instantly. And that’s how Errakaaram cabbage rice was born.

Over the next few weeks, Errakaaram became my everyday cooking partner:

• Cheese garlic bread with Errakaaram — a combination that felt made for each other. The buttery bread, the mild cheese, and that one spoon of spicy chutney — it was comfort food reimagined.
• Then came carrot rice — cut carrots, cooked rice, and a swirl of Errakaaram — simple, colorful, and packed with flavor.
• My favorite weekday hack was spicy egg fried rice — a handful of veggies, scrambled eggs, and one spoon of Errakaaram stirred in at the end. No sauces, no seasoning — just pure flavor magic.
• And then the unexpected winner: vinegar beetroot and egg rice with Errakaaram. Sweet, tangy, spicy, and vibrant red — it looked like a South African relish but tasted like a spicy Indian stir-fry. It was one of those dishes you can only invent when you’re far from home, yet craving a little bit of it.

Simba chips often joined the plate for extra crunch. Somehow, local snacks blended effortlessly with spicy Indian chutney — proof that good food needs no translation.

South African Food Culture

The more I explored, the more I admired South Africa’s confident food culture. Their flavours are bold — extra spice, extra tang, extra warmth. It reminded me of India, where we eat with emotion and generosity.

That’s when I realised how naturally Errakaaram fits in here. It’s not just an Indian chutney; it’s a flavour that resonates with anyone who loves intensity and heart. South Africa's chutney-loving spirit made me feel instantly connected.

Many nights, I sat down with a bowl of spicy rice, a handful of chips, and a jar of Errakaaram on the side — and smiled. It felt like home, yet beautifully South African.

Convenience & Comfort Abroad

Beyond the flavors, Errakaaram also saved me time. In a country where workdays can be long and ingredients new, it became my shortcut to satisfaction. No chopping chilies, no grinding spices — just a spoonful that transformed anything into a comforting, complete meal. It’s amazing how something so simple could make life abroad so much easier. In fifteen minutes, I could turn rice, bread, or eggs into something flavorful. Errakaaram became more than just a condiment — it became a small reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

As a co-founder of Errakaaram, these experiences are solid proof for our mission — to share authentic Indian flavor with the world.

Errakaaram is 100% natural and clean label — proudly India’s first all-natural chutney. We built it on the belief that true taste comes from purity and passion, not preservatives. Taking this Indian-born, natural chutney global now feels like an amazing reality for us — a dream slowly coming true, one jar at a time.

Vision for Errakaaram

Errakaaram is India’s first 100% natural, clean-label chutney — built on purity, passion, and authenticity. Seeing shelves of chutney products in South Africa, from Mrs Ball’s to Simba’s chutney chips, made me realise something important: the world is ready for more.

Ready for authentic, handcrafted Indian flavours that blend effortlessly into global kitchens. I can already imagine collaborations — perhaps Errakaaram × Simba one day, creating a fiery, tangy chip that unites two food-loving cultures. Our vision for Errakaaram is simple: to make Indian flavor global — accessible, adaptable, and loved everywhere.

About Errakaaram

Errakaaram celebrates the true spirit of Indian flavour — fresh, spicy, and versatile. Made with pure, real ingredients and zero shortcuts, it brings homemade authenticity to modern kitchens worldwide.

It’s a spoonful of India that travels beyond borders — comforting, vibrant, and unforgettable. If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably imagined the flavors — now see them! Check out the images of the easy, flavor-packed dinners I made in South Africa with Errakaaram — from spicy cabbage rice to tangy beetroot fried rice, each one cooked in minutes and bursting with authentic Indian taste.

Looking back now, I see how those jars of Errakaaram did more than just add spice to my food. They added comfort to my days, inspiration to my cooking, and connection to my new surroundings. They reminded me that home isn’t always a place — sometimes, it’s a taste. And in my South African kitchen, with a plate of rice, a spoonful of chutney, and the sound of the city outside, I found mine. I hope you enjoyed reading about my flavorful food adventures in South Africa — and maybe felt a little inspired to create your own Errakaaram moments, wherever you are in the world.