How Prakriti by MTR adds to their spice quotient
MTR recently introduced Prakriti, a line of single source spice powders, that are prepared in small batches
MTR recently introduced Prakriti, a line of single source spice powders, that are prepared in small batches
Published - August 07, 2026 01:08 pm IST
From MTR’s range of spices and condiments | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“Despite the diverse spice consumption and regional dishes to be found in India, at the heart of everything is chili, turmeric, and coriander. And we wanted to bring out the best version of these condiments for consumers,” says Sunay Bhasi, CEO of MTR.
“Over the past few years, we have seen a steady rise in discerning consumers, especially in metros, who are willing to pay for the best quality, and that laid the seed for MTR’s Prakriti.”
Prakriti is MTR’s first ever digital first brand and currently offers fourselect spice powders. Launched in October last year, “for digital natives” it is available on all e-commerce websites as well as direct-to-consumer platforms.
Also read: The 100 years of labour and love behind the legacy of MTR, Bengaluru’s iconic restaurant
“We started with four products — turmeric and coriander powder, and two variations of chilli powder. There are two major centres for chili in India; the Byadagichili that comes from North Karnataka and the Guntur chilli from Andhra Pradesh,“ says Sunay.
Prakriti coriander powder by MTR | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
He continues, “We zeroed in on turmeric sourced out of Araku in Andhra Pradesh as its curcumin is of the finest quality, and that became our third product. The best grade of coriander comes out of Madhya Pradesh, from an region called Kumbhraj. We have built an ecosystem in the area to get the finest double parrot grade of coriander seeds; these were our first four products.”
According to Sunay, what makes Prakriti products stand out is that they are “single source”, procured from a specific region where these spices thrive. There is no mingling of similar spices sourced from different regions, ensuring the final product remains true to the region it originates from.
To ensure there is no compromise on the quality, Sunay says the spices are handpicked and prepared in small batches. "Production in small batches is critical for freshest quality to be delivered,” he says.
Above its exclusive quality, what sets Prakriti apart is its element of sustainability as it is packaged in 4LDPE recycle ready packs that eliminate the need for multiple processing.
MTR’s book of recipes | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The upward consumer trend since its inception has encouraged the team to introduce a fifth product in the Prakriti line — hing sourced form Kandahar in Afghanistan.
“The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” says Sunay, “While we were in the process of rolling out the hing, we would be asked to go easy on its use as its aroma was quite pungent.”
To celebrate their 100th anniversary, MTR launched a digital recipe book titled, 100 Forgotten Recipes from Karnataka Kitchens, which was followed by The Story Before the Recipe. Both books can be accessed at mtrkarunaduswada.com
Published - August 07, 2026 01:08 pm IST
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