Indian Original Curry Flavor In Saigon: Secret Sasses Down From 3 Generations

People in Ben Thanh town may not know the specific name of the man behind the counter, but if they hear someone saying "Anh hai cà ri," they may guide you directly to his shop. Even after three generations, the taste remains their recognizable unique Indian touch. Let's find out what is the secret in developing the famous label “Anh Hai curry" through Mr.Lam—the current owner of Anh Hai Curry.

How did your curry brand start?

Mr Lam: My grandma was an Indian refugee, she came to Vietnam to establish her own business. She was the one who created the foundation for this curry brand by bringing Indian heritage along, but it was my grandpa—a Chinese man— who made it flourish into the 'imperial curry' that it is today.

In the beginning, my business only offered two primary flavors: braised beef and curry, which were made with 100 percent Indian imported ingredients to serve Saigon's Indian and Muslim communities. My family, however, opted to add various flavors in order to adjust to Vietnamese preferences, as a way to blend with the Vietnamese culture.

What makes Anh Hai curry brand special comparing to other brands?

Mr.Lam: Thanks to our seasonings, I guess, we are able to provide a wide range of meals from Asia to Europe. Meanwhile, with each customer that comes to buy from us, we try to get to know their own taste in order to advise them on how to use our ingredients. We are constantly trying to keep up with current culinary trends in order to broaden our menu. The fascinating thing is that we all have a really good sense of taste, from my grandfather to myself. If you give us an anonymous spice package, we can just smell it and create a spice that is up to 70% resemblance.

Your favorite condiment at the store?

With each generation, our family members produce a new spice by combining current spices or seeking for a new component. For myself, I've developed two condiments: hamburger seasoning and unique barbecue spice. I enjoy it since I have not been able to find it anywhere else.

So, are your children preparing to take over the family business?

Another interesting fact about this shop is that neither my grandpa nor my father intended their children to inherit the family business. Despite having graduated from university and studied well, all members of the family returned and helped expand the firm. Looking back at the heritage passed over from our fathers, we both wish to take over this business and further extend the scale of this unforgettable Indian touch in Vietnam. Despite the fact that my children are free to pursue their own careers, they aim to continue my work *laugh*. Interestingly, only men stand at the counter.

Are there any conflicts between the brothers in the management of the store?

Fortunately, the brothers in the family had all been properly taught by our parents since childhood on how to love one another, so we never had a disagreement

After more than 60 years of development, what was the most difficult period you faced?

Despite numerous ups and downs during its existence, our curry brand has reached important milestones such as establishing a closed manufacturing base, becoming the primary distributor for high-end hotels, and exporting to other markets worldwide. However, it wasn't until COVID-19 emerged that I was struck by the disastrous pandemic. Ben Thanh market has never been as gloomy and depressing. The outbreak has had a significant impact on the family company; for example, we are having problems exporting; hotels and restaurants have no customers, so they do not import.

How did you overcome these obstacles?

We chose to enhance the delivery service in order to adapt to the present scenario. However, this approach was only appropriate the first time; once the city issued an injunction restricting shippers, we were forced to "stand still."