Samiya Khan, 43, from Southeast Delhi’s Zakir Nagar, started a cloud kitchen from her home. “I didn’t have a restaurant space, so I began at home. A cloud kitchen is like a restaurant, but only for delivery,” she explains. Cloud kitchens are becoming popular in India as a low-investment business.
Samiya’s love for cooking started in childhood, learning from her mother, sister, and mother-in-law. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she started a tiffin service for students living away from home. “They liked my fresh, home-cooked food, and I made sure it was affordable,” she says.
Growing the Business
Starting with just two orders, Samiya’s business grew through word-of-mouth. Soon, she was getting orders from all over Delhi NCR, including Gurugram. Her menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes like Pulao, Butter Chicken, Idli Sambar, and White Chicken Kofta.
Samiya now takes bulk orders for weddings, parties, and office events. She has three employees who help with delivery, while she remains the main cook. To ensure quality, she has obtained a certificate from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
Overcoming Challenges
Samiya, who has been married for 23 years and has a daughter, holds a BA Honours in Economics. Before starting her cloud kitchen, she worked as a teacher, in a media firm, and managed her husband’s gems and precious stones business.
When the COVID-19 lockdown forced her husband’s business to close, Samiya had to find a way to support her family. Her cloud kitchen not only helped them financially but also became a source of personal satisfaction.
Today, Samiya’s business is thriving, with orders coming in from multinational companies in Gurugram and Delhi NCR. She encourages other women to pursue their passions, saying, “With courage and passion, you can help your family while staying close to home.”
Samiya’s story shows how determination and a love for cooking can turn a home-based venture into a successful business, even during challenging times.
For detailed story, please visit: Awaz the voice
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