Elizabeth’s prawn biryani or Rani’s soya chunk manchurian? Leela’s veg pulao or Alphonsa’s duck roast? Mulling over the menu at HomeMade is a joyful exercise, as it rekindles fond memories of homely flavours. A new takeaway outlet that has opened at Kakkanad, HomeMade, brings together food prepared by women in their kitchens.
Young entrepreneurs Tharun Anto and Jodev Devassy struck upon this unique business idea, which they felt, would offer a much-needed respite from the predictable food court menus, especially for professionals staying away from home. They got together and formed a group of moms who were willing to prepare their specialities.
“Right now, we have a network of 20 to 30 homemakers in Kochi, who make their ‘signature’ dishes,” says Tharun. “Some of these women are excellent cooks and it is indeed a great feeling to share the pleasure of good food with more people,” he adds. The food is collected from their homes and taken to the outlet, which has a sophisticated heating equipment for those who want the food steaming hot.
After a formal inauguration in November last year, HomeMade has been steadily adding people to its fan base. Its FB page displays the day’s menu and also people’s comments on the various dishes. “Though when we planned it initially, our target group was the people working in IT companies, our customer base has slowly expanded. Now, we have families who have become regular customers and people are coming back for particular dishes,” Tharun says.
The menu, which changes every day, will give the usual fare a miss. Only special recipes would find a place. “Most of these are recipes that have been handed down to the women by their mothers and grandmothers,” Tharun explains.
Dinner is the more elaborate meal, as most of the home-makers get the time to cook only after their usual domestic chores. Lunch was introduced recently. But it comprises just biryani (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian).
Apart from preserving age-old recipes, the concept also helps in empowering women, Tharun believes. “It is an avenue for stay-at-home mothers to show-off their culinary expertise.” Though they are compensated well, most of them are more interested in their food being loved and appreciated than the money they make. The dishes have been named after their makers, which is an added motivation for them—Dee’s ghee rice, Suhitha’s pathiri, Viji’s naadan chicken curry, Joyce’s beef coconut fry and Elsa’s chicken curry, for instance.
The idea is also to promote the concept of healthy eating. “The food here is made using fresh ingredients and cooked in clean kitchens, sans food colour, tastemakers and preservatives,” Tharun says. None of the food is kept for the next day, he says.
HomeMade is not a dine-in. Tharun says plans are on to open another outlet in the city. It does home delivery to places in and around Kakkanad. Contact: 9349444855
