OUR STORY
How it started
“Steward’s Lazzat” which is now a tradition for Mauritian people, began as a very modest business. It is the outcome of a challenge:
Two persons challenged themselves to start something out of nothing. Thus they launched a start-up with the least possible means: nothing.
This part of the story will be unveiled later.
The factory was founded in 1983 by late Eusuf Ibrahim Khameery. He noticed the way Mauritians processed their spices to conserve them until the time of cooking.
A lot of the process depended on the whims of weather. One would often see large trays or plates (thali) of cloves or pepper drying in the sun in people's home yard. Under the veranda, the sun would not reach the spices... As the shadows moved the housewife would rush to move it back in the sun. If it rained, she would have to start over another sunny day.
Mr. Khameery therefore endeavoured to liberate the Mauritian housewife and other amateur and professional «bandari» (cooks) while ensuring hygiene, quality and the traditional taste.
To further facilitate cooking, he innovated with ready to use spice mix. One of these mix is based on an old recipe from a Gujrati cookbook that his long time friend, Mr. Dawood Goolam Mamode obtained from his father. During a first exhibit of the product in the Traindex Show (1984), Steward's Lazzat Masala was an instant success.
What happened next?
About Eusuf Ibrahim Khameery
When there is a will...
As with most start ups, the foundation of it all is one person with an unwavering faith that effort + prayers always result in something worthy.
« 6ème Fail »
As as he was fond of saying himself, he was a “6ème Fail”. But as many will know, these people erstwhile developed intelligence of another style.
Oxford English
He travelled a lot and was a welcome speaker in many gatherings. Once a university lecturer translated his talks but couldn't, because he used so many Creole expressions (which make the Mauritian mother tongue so full of flavour). So the translator apologised for his unability. Mr. Khameery consoled him saying “it's normal, because in Mauritius we speak Oxford English!” ‘Oxford English’ is a well-known school book used at that time at primary level.
He was very generous when it came to helping others. He donated generously to the cause of education and moral values.
He established Uhud Society in 2004. This organisation provides monthly victuals to about 75 families.
Bhai Eusuf, as he was called, was himself fond of cooking. Often, he would prepare Biryani (a spiced rice dish) for his family and guests, so he was the first to know about the quality of his spices.
