From lockdown pivot to culinary success: Usman's cloud kitchen feeds neighbours, nets Rs 30,000 daily

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Usman, aged 25, operates a cloud kitchen named "Homely Tist," where he cooks and delivers food to homes, earning Rs 30,000 per day. The kitchen, located in Paruthikuzhi, specializes in preparing special Malabar dishes such as Kilikood, Irachipatthiri, Chattipatthiri, Unnakaya and Kaipola. Cooking typically begins at 3 pm, with plans to introduce more dishes soon. Usman noted that business booms during fasting periods.

When the lockdown suspended Usman's second-year Arabic PG studies at Calicut University, he returned home and devised a plan to sell cakes made by his sister, Fathima. Inspired by Umm Regina's talent in preparing unique Malabar delicacies, they obtained a food safety license and started earning income by selling food sampled and purchased from reputable hotels.

Usman's mother encouraged local women to join the workforce, with additional employees being friends. Initially operating from a single room, the enterprise expanded to occupy the entire house, prompting Usman to rent another house for living space. Eventually, he completed his PG studies and transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship, supported by his father, Zubair, who is in business himself.

Their business model relies heavily on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for orders, emphasizing delivery and takeout over dining in.