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• THESTAR.COM

  “It’s definitely an underserved market,” says Asim Qureshi of Tandoori Oven, who, like Rishi, is a second-generation innovator. Qureshi’s father, Ayub Qureshi, opened the first Halal store in Ontario in 1971, which still operates as Qureshi Foods at 1879 Lawrence Ave. E. At the recent grocery innovation show at the Metro Convention Centre, Qureshi handed out samples of the family’s newest product, Tandoori marinated chicken, beef and lamb.

   

  To prove how easy the product is to cook, Qureshi cooked his Tandoori Oven marinated chicken breast in a toaster-oven. At 350 degrees, it was ready in 14 minutes. The food has to be fast, says Qureshi. Consumers lack the time and the knowledge to develop the flavours at home. “You have to balance the authenticity of the traditional flavours but tone the spice down,” said Qureshi. “It needs to be authentic, but not overpowering.” The product generated high interest among the independent grocers at the show, said Qureshi, but he has yet to make a deal with any of the big retailers.

   

  Tandoori Oven marinated chicken legs and chicken breasts retail for about $14-$25 a kilo, the Tandoori beef retails for $17.60 a kilo and marinated Tandoori lamb chops for $31 a kilo. Qureshi thinks the product has a bright future. “Demographic trends are very much in our favour.”

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