Whole first
We prefer whole spices you grind at home. Powders are milled in small runs so turmeric stays loud and chili stays red without chemical shortcuts.
Our story
A Pleasanton company with a South Indian pantry.
Manam Foods is registered in Pleasanton, California. We exist for a simple reason: the spices and millets that taste like home should not have to travel through a dozen warehouses before they reach a Bay Area stove.
The name
Manam — heart, mind, ours.
In Tamil, manam is the seat of feeling. It is also a way of saying something belongs to us. That is the standard we buy against. If a farmer would not cook with a lot, we will not pack it.
We focus on two Indian states because that is where our relationships are: Tamil Nadu for turmeric belts, curry leaf, kambu, and everyday tempering spices; Karnataka for ragi, Byadgi chili, cardamom hills, and the siridhanya millets that Kannada kitchens never really gave up.
Millets as food, not a fad
Ragi mudde, kambu koozh, thinai pongal, jowar roti — these are ordinary meals in our source regions. We sell the grain that way, not as a wellness slogan.
California, clearly
Orders leave from Pleasanton. You can write to us in English, Tamil, or Kannada. The business contact is velavan@manamfoods.us.
Fair buying
We pay for quality lots, not the cheapest dump. When a farmer holds back a better grade, we would rather buy less than blend it down.