Our Story

Hi, I’m Jade, one of the faces behind Chilli & Spice Co. Our story starts with my mum, Jen, back in India in the 50s. Jen was raised in an Anglo-Indian household in Kerala. Her Anglo-Indian (mixed Indian, Irish, Portuguese, Dutch) heritage meant that her early life in India was full of food and flavour from all over the world, influenced by both her parents and their own distinct upbringings.

When Jen met my dad, Mel, and immigrated to the U.K, she found her love of cooking. Her culinary skills started humbly, with her barely being able to fry an egg, to soon learning and mastering dishes she became well known for.

After my brother and myself were born, Jen and Mel moved their little family over to Australia. It was here that Jen opened her first restaurant in a small town in country Victoria. Jen’s restaurant, Indian Tree, quickly became known across the town. But people soon realised the restaurant’s charm stemmed from more than just the food. It was the coming together of guests, who soon turned to friends, talking and laughing over a glass of wine with Jen moving through the restaurant and kitchen as if it were her own home.

Fast forward 20+ years, multiple careers, milestones and moves later, Jen is still known for her incredible cooking. Her recipes take her upbringing, travels, and many experiences, to create meals full of love and flavour that feel like home.

One of Jen's signature recipes is her chilli oil, which she's been making for years. Starting humbly by sharing it with friends and family, and eventually passing little jars on so that others could enjoy a drizzle of spice whenever they wanted to. It's the perfect blend of spice and flavour, with a kick that will leave you licking your lips and longing for more.

Myself and my husband, Steve, have always loved Jen’s chilli oil and a few years ago, started sharing it with our own friends, from taking little jars to parties and barbeques and even with us to work to help spice up the most mundane midday meals.

This is where the idea for Chilli & Spice was born – from enjoying chilli oil on all our favourite dishes, to wanting to share it with others so that they can do the same.

It’s a little piece of our family, our culture, our kitchen and our home. We hope you love it as much as we do.