After a number of years teaching Indian cooking to the local Suffolk and Essex communities, Rafi opened the first Spice Box in 1989. The traditional containers that Indians keep their spices in inspired the name Spice Box. The objective of the shop was to start supplying all the necessary exotic spices and ingredients that were previously unavailable.
The shop soon evolved into something more than just a shop and has now been described by many as an institution. Rafi's attention to detail and personal touch is unrivalled and many customers return time after time simply to chat and discuss ideas with Rafi.
The shop in Sudbury has had to move premises three times over the years in response to the greater demands from the public. The current premises are probably around four times the size of the original shop and now carries an extensive range of Asian cookery books, which can be used for referral purposes by the customers.
In 1999 the shop was replicated on-line and they have now sent Rafi's unique ‘Curry Packs' all over the world and strangely enough even to India.
In 2004 the second Rafi's Spice Box shop was opened in York, North Yorkshire to offer the similar products and services to the North of England.
Rafi and the team are constantly scouring the land for new product ideas and techniques as well as a number of trips to India to develop their knowledge even further.