Culinary Pioneers: Meghna Jaswal and Mira Jhala Revolutionize Lunchtime with Curry in a Hurry

Navigating the realm of quick and healthy food options while at work can be a daunting task. The quest for good, clean, and reasonably priced meals becomes even more challenging when work pressures add to the stress. For many, the daily struggle often leads to repetitive choices, like relying on convenient yet monotonous options such as sandwiches. Recognizing this common dilemma, Meghna Jaswal and Mira Jhala, co-founders of Curry in a Hurry, set out to transform the lunchtime experience with their innovative approach to ready-to-eat Indian thalis.

Curry in a Hurry, based in Gurgaon, emerged as a retail and delivery service specializing in home-style ready-to-eat Indian thalis. The dynamic duo, both graduates and friends from the Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad, brought a wealth of international culinary experience spanning approximately 20 years to their venture. This venture marked their second collaboration, following the success of their initial endeavor, The Urban Kitchen, a service delivering freshly cooked food to large corporate offices.

Mira Jhala encapsulated the essence of their mission, stating, “Food is fuel, and it’s disheartening to see the high degree of unhealthy consumption taking place all around us.” The founders recognized the growing demand for smaller offices and individual orders, leading to the inception of Curry in a Hurry. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, the duo prioritizes sourcing high-quality ingredients and employing nutrition-focused cooking techniques.

Curry in a Hurry distinguishes itself by meticulously planning its menu around local and seasonal ingredients. The thalis, presented in re-heatable and spill-proof packaging, offer a symphony of flavors and nutrients. The company handles over 250 orders daily, primarily operating in a section of Gurgaon with imminent plans for expansion throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). The core idea behind Curry in a Hurry is to simplify the lunch experience by providing a balanced and quality meal without breaking the bank. Mira emphasizes their methodical and process-driven approach, translating into consistency and scalability. The company competes with Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) in the area but stands out by offering a broader variety, freshly cooked daily, and at an affordable price point.

Beyond culinary excellence, Curry in a Hurry demonstrates a commitment to community welfare through an active “giving back to the community” program. Leftover food is repurposed to feed the less privileged from the local community daily, showcasing a socially responsible business model. Mira identifies acquiring and retaining skilled labour as the primary challenge, a common hurdle in the food industry. However, the founders address this by fostering an environment of respect and discipline. Looking ahead, Curry in a Hurry is set to launch a dedicated online ordering system/app to enhance the customer experience. The duo’s decisions have been strategically aligned with scaling the business geographically and numerically.

The success of Curry in a Hurry is evident in its 100% repeat business, a testament to the consistent experience delivered to customers. The company has attracted attention from prominent private equity and venture capital firms, showcasing the industry’s acknowledgment of its potential.

Meghna Jaswal and Mira Jhala’s culinary journey with Curry in a Hurry is a testament to their passion for providing accessible, nutritious, and delightful meals. As pioneers in revolutionizing lunchtime choices, they continue to shape the landscape of quick, healthy, and affordable dining experiences for the working population.