This Mumbai Family Built a Sauce Brand Bringing the Flavours of Italy, China, Africa & Mexico to India
Lockdown changed life for millions of people. For sisters Dea and Ojasvi Sharma, it sparked a business idea that would eventually bring authentic flavours from around the world into Indian homes.
What began as a simple craving for better food during the pandemic soon evolved into Chilzo, a Mumbai-based food brand that is redefining how Indians experience international cuisine. Alongside their mother, Hema Sharma, the sisters transformed countless hours of kitchen experimentation into a thriving business that now serves thousands of customers every month.
Today, Chilzo offers a growing range of authentic sauces and condiments inspired by Italy, China, Africa, and Mexico. From rich Italian marinara and fiery arrabbiata pasta sauces to Moroccan harissa, Schezwan sauce, and chilli oil, the brand is helping home cooks recreate global flavours without leaving their kitchens.
The journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown when restaurants shut down and international travel came to a standstill. Having previously worked in the United States and travelled extensively, Dea missed the authentic flavours she had experienced abroad. Together with her sister, she started recreating traditional recipes at home, determined to capture the true essence of global cuisine.
Their first challenge was perfecting Italian pasta sauces. After numerous failed attempts, endless tasting sessions, and months of experimentation, they finally created recipes that delivered the authenticity they were looking for. Encouraged by positive feedback from friends, family, and neighbours, the trio realised they had discovered something much bigger than a hobby.
In 2022, they officially launched Chilzo and transformed their home-based venture into a full-fledged food business. Despite having no prior experience in the food industry, they learned everything from scratch from manufacturing and distribution to retail operations and product preservation.
What truly sets Chilzo apart is its commitment to authenticity. The team follows traditional cooking methods used in the countries where the recipes originated, ensuring that every jar delivers a genuine taste experience. Rather than taking shortcuts, they focus on quality ingredients, slow cooking techniques, and recipes that stay true to their roots.
Today, Chilzo serves around 7,000 customers each month across India through online platforms and retail channels. What started as a lockdown craving has grown into a promising Indian food brand proving that passion, persistence, and a love for great food can turn a simple kitchen experiment into a successful business.