Not a Jimny or Swift — Suzuki’s surprise bestseller in Japan is a ready

Suzuki Motor Corporation, the Japanese parent company of Maruti Suzuki, has shifted gears beyond automobiles — and into kitchens. What began as a simple cafeteria meal for homesick Indian engineers has turned into a nationwide packaged food sensation in Japan.

From Office Comfort to Retail Phenomenon

In early 2024, Suzuki began serving Indian vegetarian meals at its Hamamatsu headquarters cafeteria for over 200 Indian engineers. Partnering with Torizen, a 150-year-old local restaurant, the company experimented with recipes that balanced authentic Indian spices with Japanese taste preferences.

According to media reports, the dishes became so popular that even Japanese staff queued for them — paving the way for an unexpected business opportunity.

A Product Born in a Cafeteria, Not a Boar