by Cassie Forsythe
Where did you grow up and what were your dreams as a kid?
I grew up in Buang Sayang, Papar, where I learned the importance of hard work and community values. Growing up in that environment shaped my discipline and appreciation for how food and flavours bring people together. That background inspires me to contribute meaningfully to the spice industry today.
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a successful businesswoman. I was always inspired by the idea of building something valuable and impactful. While my path has evolved, that dream continues to drive me to grow professionally, contribute to the company’s success, and one day lead in the business world.
Curry Powder and Spices! How did that happen? What was the reason behind opening your own factory?
The idea of opening a curry powder and spice factory was inspired by my husband’s passion for cooking curry. Back in the 1960s, it was very difficult for the local community to find Halal ready-made curry spice powder. Recognising this gap, we decided to establish our own factory to make high-quality curry powder more accessible. What began as a simple solution to a household need grew into a business that serves the wider community, ensuring that authentic flavours are available to everyone.
How are curry powders made?
Curry powder is made through a careful process of selecting, grinding, and blending spices. While recipes vary by region and tradition, the general steps are consistent:
Main Steps in Making Curry Powder
• Selection of spices: Common ingredients include turmeric, coriander, cumin, fenugreek, chili peppers, ginger, and black pepper.
• Grinding: The grain spices are ground into a fine powder using grinders or mortars.
• Blending: Different spices are mixed in precise ratios to achieve the desired flavour profile.
• Packaging: The finished curry powder is stored in airtight containers to preserve freshness.
What are the non-negotiable ingredients for a simple curry?
For a simple curry, the non-negotiable ingredients are coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder as the aromatic base. These ingredients are essential to create the authentic flavour and colour of curry.
A memorable moment in this journey of supplying curry powder and spices?
One of the most memorable moments in this journey was when our curry powder first reached the wider community and received overwhelming appreciation. In the early years, people often struggled to find authentic curry spices, and seeing their joy when our product became available was truly rewarding. Another unforgettable milestone was expanding from small local supply to larger markets and most memorable milestones in our journey was obtaining the Halal certification for our curry powder and spices. This achievement was not only a recognition of our commitment to quality and hygiene, but also a symbol of trust for our customers. It allowed us to reach a wider market, giving assurance that our products meet the highest standards and can be enjoyed by everyone. Alongside the joy of seeing our spices appreciated by the community, receiving the Halal certification stands out as a proud and defining moment in our business journey.
What do you enjoy most about what you do ?
I love what I do because it brings me lots of joy and satisfaction when families, friends and clients gives me beautiful feedbacks about the food that they cooked with our curry and spices. Coming from a poor background, filling up your stomach becomes a need or necessity but having a delightful yummy meal is love. Cooking for my family, seeing the empty plates afterwards is my love language to them.
What is your advice for someone aspiring to delve into the spice industry?
My advice for anyone aspiring to enter the spice industry is to begin with a deep respect for the product itself. Understanding the origins, quality, and authenticity of spices is essential, because customers value trust and tradition. At the same time, focus on building strong business fundamentals such as consistency in production, maintaining hygiene and safety standards, and developing reliable supply chains. It is also important to innovate while preserving authenticity, so that your products remain relevant in a competitive market. Finally, remember that this industry is not only about flavors, but also about people by growing your business, you create opportunities for employment and contribute to the community. That combination of passion, quality, and responsibility is what will sustain success in the spice trade.
We’ve heard that you’re quite the cook as well. What are your top three favorite dishes to prepare?
My family especially enjoys three dishes that I often prepare Spicy lamb curry cooked with our curry powder, Kambing Kicap (Soy-sauce lamb), and Stewed duck using our own spices and herbs like Syarikat Ali’s Five Spices powder. These are the meals that bring us together and remind me why I love working with spices.
Discover more about Syarikat Ali through Syarikat Ali Curry Powder Sabah.
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