In 2020, amid the pandemic, Hyderabad-born engineer Alak Nanda and her mother Vasavi launched ‘Podi Life,’ sharing their love for South Indian podis with tables across Atlanta and the US.

Podis — the semi-coarse powders made from lentils, spices, and nuts — are a South Indian staple. For Alak and Vasavi, they symbolise memories, family, and the comfort of home.

As a child in Hyderabad, Alak fondly recalls how podis were ever-present on the dining table. Moving to the US at 12 didn’t change this. Her mother continued to create traditional and innovative podi recipes.

During the lockdown in 2020, Vasavi shared her regret about unfulfilled dreams. “She felt like all her talent had not amounted to much, and there was so much left to do in life,” shares Alak.

This inspired her to propose a venture celebrating Vasavi's culinary talent. They combined nostalgia with modern branding, creating Podi Life.

“I remember grinding roasted moong beans in an old-school stone grinder that needed to be rotated. I loved eating this podi with hot rice, kanji and ghee — this meal always reminds me of my amma,” Vasavi shares.

When Alak returned to the US in 2021, she brought Podi Life with her. Introducing podis to Atlanta, she found an audience curious about lentil and nut-based powders.

Educating the American market was crucial. “People in Atlanta were not familiar with lentil and nut-based seasoning,” Alak says. Through branding, storytelling, and samplers, they shared the history and essence of this South Indian staple.

Podi Life now ships across the United States, with 200 orders monthly. Each podi — from spicy garlic to nutty moong — carries flavours deeply rooted in South Indian heritage, reimagined for global palates.

Vasavi’s garlic podi remains a bestseller. Made with fresh garlic, dry coconut, curry leaves, and spices, it’s a versatile flavour enhancer. Customers love its aroma and use it for dishes from dal to noodles.

Looking ahead, the duo is curating a South Indian pantry, featuring podis and other quintessential items to share the timeless magic of podis.

“What I find beautiful and heartwarming is when people tell me that their kid, who hasn’t lived in India, knows what podis are,” says Alak.