ADVERTORIAL: A taste of Durban’s heritage, one spice at a time
At The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Heritage Month is a chance to honour the stories behind local brands that have become household names. Few capture the spirit of Durban quite like Gorima’s Culinary Fusion - a proudly South African family business built on flavour, community and tradition.
THE Gorima’s journey began in 1980 when the late Aunty Khatija Mall turned her culinary passion into a means of supporting her family. Known for her talent in the kitchen, she often shared recipes with friends and colleagues who struggled to recreate her distinctive flavours. To solve this, she developed the first Gorima’s product, the now-famous Magi Masala, with guidance from renowned cookbook author Zulekha Mayat. After many trials, they perfected a blend that still helps home cooks create delicious curries today.
The brand’s name is rooted in Gujarati culture. A ‘Gorima’ is the wife of the second eldest paternal uncle – often regarded as the warm, approachable aunt in the family, brimming with cooking knowledge and everyday wisdom. It’s this sense of trust and relatability that Gorima’s has carried forward for more than four decades.
What sets Gorima’s apart is its philosophy: “We see ourselves as food people in business, not business people selling food.” This ethos drives their constant pursuit of quality, innovation and authenticity. Over the years, Gorima’s has built lasting relationships across generations, with customers who first bought their blends in the ’80s now introducing the same products to their children and grandchildren.
Following Aunty Khatija’s passing in 2021, the Mrs M Foundation was launched to continue her legacy of generosity through bursaries and feeding schemes. Today, Gorima’s continues to innovate, with recent product launches such as their convenient Pour-On Marinades in flavours like Shisanyama Barbeque, Peri-Peri, Tikka, and Tandoori.
With the festive season approaching, customers can also look forward to Diya lamps for Diwali, symbolising warmth and light in the home.
From one small kitchen to a beloved national brand, Gorima’s remains a celebration of Durban’s culinary heritage and a reminder of how food brings families and communities together.
The Pavilion Shopping Centre
Jack Martens Drive, Westville
Tel: 031 275 9800
enquiries@thepav.co.za
