Hariyali, Maharaja and Quilon.. What is behind these names, one may ask? For Thiruvananthapuram natives, at least among the many food aficionados settled into the capital city, these names leave them salivating.

Five years ago during the peak COVID times, Najiya cooked biriyani and sold it to her neighbours during the lockdown times. Little did she imagine that her small pastime of cooking would burgeon to be rated as one of the best Biriyani in Thiruvananthapuram. 29-year-old Najiya has surprised everyone, even her family. She now owns 'Yummy Spot', serving a varied mix of Biriyanis across the capital city.

Najiya got married at the tender age of 20 while doing her CA course. At 24, she turned a mother inviting more responsibility to fall into her shoulder. Always an enthusiast in cooking, Najiya entered motherhood with glee. She prepared banana powder for her child and randomly shared the same with her neighbours. However, this changed her fortune.

All the neighbours showered praise on the food and wanted to know the recipe. Najiya was spirited. It gave her the necessary push to bring out her hidden culinary masterclass. She started selling the banana powder in jars. During peak COVID times, she extended her cuisine to meals(Pothichoru) which was sold across Kerala just through WhatsApp publicity.

“ People in Thiruvananthapuram generally prefer more spicy and masala food. This understanding made me prepare something different from normal biriyani. Each biriyani had a unique taste so I decided to name it differently. Gladly, everything turned into a hit, and business did good. This venture was started with zero capital.” Najiya said.

Initially, chicken biryani was priced at Rs 160. Now the prices have gone to Rs 180. For mutton Biriyani, the price is Rs 285. Beef biriyani comes at Rs 200.

"My Father Najeeb supported the family by selling duty-free goods. But what remained was debt over mounting debt. When I started the business, I was staying at a rented house in Sreekariyam. Now I have 'Naj Mahal', my own home at the same venue."

There are only five employees in the kitchen. 14 people for delivery. Biryani is sold from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Najiya also managed to conduct her sister's marriage with her earnings. Najiya's husband is Ershad, an employee of Technopark. Their son Ihan is a UKG student.

Najiya's Biryani is available at most places in Thiruvananthapuram. There are more than 15000 contacts on WhatsApp. Most people order by phone and Swiggy. The odour of Najiya’s special recipe even reached former CM V S Achuthanandan’s house. Many political leaders and famed names are customers of Yummyspot.