Bytes to Bites: A Techie Turned Tastemaker, Harika’s Way
We recently had the pleasure of talking with Harika Thupkar, the passionate force behind Spice Jar, a creative fusion food venture that’s turning heads and taste buds. Her journey from a steady corporate career to running a food truck full of bold flavors is nothing short of inspiring.
Harika began her professional life as an SQL developer after completing her engineering degree in electronics and communication. Later, she moved into data analytics. In 2011, she and her husband relocated to the U.S., where she balanced job hunting with raising a young family. But even while climbing the corporate ladder, something inside her kept going back to the kitchen.
“Cooking has always been more than just about food for me; it’s about storytelling, culture, and bringing people together,” she told us with a warm smile.
That love of food and a deep curiosity for mixing flavors sparked the idea for Spice Jar. With three kids at home—each with their own favorite cuisine—Harika found herself constantly switching between Indian, Italian, and Mexican dishes. Instead of choosing just one, she began blending them. Dosa pizzas, samosa burgers—what started as fun experiments quickly became family favorites.
“The roots of Spice Jar emerged from these combinations,” she said, looking back fondly on the early days.
Harika began with just a few fusion menu items, carefully curated for variety. “I wanted to create a one-stop shop for families and friends with different tastes,” she explained. Over time, she expanded her menu based on customer feedback. Today, Spice Jar offers everything from chaat specials to Indo-Chinese combos. “Every day we offer something different, but with a consistent regular menu,” she said, pointing to the balance she works hard to maintain.
Making the leap from a secure job to running a food truck wasn’t easy. Harika faced doubts—not just from others, but sometimes from within. “Breaking stereotypes as a woman in a male-dominated space has been a challenge,” she shared honestly. But through hard work and determination, she built her brand from scratch, learning to navigate everything from ingredient sourcing to logistics.
Her biggest cheerleaders have always been her family. “Without my husband and kids, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said. Their support helped her balance her dream with day-to-day life. Friends and the local community also played a huge part, encouraging her to keep going and offering valuable feedback. “Without their support, I couldn’t have taken the leap,” she reflected.
When we asked what advice she’d give to others thinking about starting a food business, Harika didn’t hesitate.
“You need to understand that this is a 24/7 job, not just 9 to 5,” she said. She stressed the importance of financial planning and being realistic about the time it takes to grow. “Don’t give up after six months. Keep a timeline of two to three years to really see the fruits of your labor.”
Looking ahead, Harika’s focus is on keeping things steady and consistent. “Right now, I want to stabilize what we have. However, I’m excited for what’s to come,” she said with a hopeful smile.
We’re so thankful to Harika Thupkar for sharing her journey with us—one full of courage, creativity, and passion. Her story isn’t just about food, but about following your heart, taking a chance, and building something special from scratch. Thank you, Harika, for inspiring us with your strength and showing that it’s never too late to follow a dream. We’re excited to see what’s next for Spice Jar!
Suparna Rao, Staff Reporter
