Abu Dhabi: Some Abu Dhabi housewives plan to turn their kitchens into iftar snack shops to earn a few extra bucks during Ramadan.
And there are many takers for fresh home-made delicacies such as samosas, kebabs, aloo tikki (potato cutlets) banana fritters and cheese rolls among other mouth-watering Ramadan snacks that come at a reasonable price.
“There is good demand for home-made snacks. This Ramadan, I will be cooking selective snacks and offer them for a price among friends and neighbours,” H.I., a Pakistani housewife who requested anonymity, told XPRESS.
A mother of two from Shabia in Mussafah, H.I. said she hit upon the idea after hearing about working women in the neighbourhood complaining about lack of time to prepare iftar. “I thought I have all the time in the world to cook up a Ramadan spread every day,” said the 32-year-old mother.
With her husband giving the green signal, H.I. said she is ready to put her cooking skills to good use and also make a few extra bucks in the bargain. “My husband has agreed to advance me money to buy meat, flour, oil, sugar and other ingredients. Initially I will start with a few items such as mutton kebabs, channa chaat (chick pea starter), palak (spinach) and cheese rolls and Umm Ali,” H.I. said.
A few friends have already booked orders for the first week, she claimed. “I am not doing it to make profits. But I would like to make enough to buy Eid gifts for my mother and sisters in Pakistan.”
Ready orders
Indian housewife Shahina who is also offering home-made snacks from her one-bedroom apartment in Mohammad Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi said she has stocked up on groceries to prepare iftar for eight families who have placed orders with her. “I am doing it for the first time. My husband and kids are great fans of my food, and I hope people will like what I cook,” said Shahina who does not want to reveal her second name.
The Tamil housewife said in addition to iftar snacks she will also be also preparing stuffed banana cake, Malabar biryani and payasam (sweet porridge).
“We are going to India for Eid, and there are so many expenses including tickets, shopping etc. I hope my Ramadan venture will give me some extra cash,” said Shahina.
It is illegal to sell food items without approval from the Abu Dhabi civic authorities. With Ramadan approaching, food outlets and restaurants have already been warned by authorities against selling and displaying snack items without a licence. The authorities insist on high standards in order to curb unhygienic handling of snacks by vendors which can lead to food poisoning.
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