Sayyid’s Foods offers taste of India and more
Judging from customers’ comments on its Facebook page, Sayyid’s Foods is providing an authentic taste of India through its variety of dishes.
Situated on Brickdam in Georgetown, the food business is owned by Sayyid Aabidi, who came to Guyana from India as an Islamic scholar in 2006 and later settled here with his family. While a scholar, Aabidi gave lectures at numerous venues during which the family made many friends who they would invite to join them for dinner at their home. The Aabidis cooking was so well received that friends began to encourage them to open a food business here.
When they decided to go that route, those same friends were their first customers, Aabidi noted. The business was first called Indian Biryani, but friends persuaded him to personalize it, which led to the name change.
The Aabidis are devout Muslims, so Sayyid’s Foods’ offerings are strictly Halal. They also offer vegetarian dishes. However, food can only be preordered and as such persons are required to place their orders between 20 minutes to an hour prior to picking up, depending on the dish. The business does not cater for any onsite dining and when asked whether this was a possibility at some point in the future, Aabidi said no, but it was possible that he
might have a change of heart.
For the first year, things went reasonably well but then the elections came, and the pandemic followed soon after, he noted. In the height of both, sales declined. But after a month, business started to pick up and subsequently returned to normal. Aabidi said that part of the reason customers returned was because they knew Sayyid’s Foods would be extra careful when it came to hygiene and trusted that they were in good hands during the pandemic.
“Business is growing gradually,” the businessman said. In fact, many of his new customers came by word of mouth. The feedback is amazing, Aabidi shared. A view of the business’s Facebook page reveals praise from customers: “The mutton biryani was awesome, flavourful and the taste authentic. Thank you Sayyid’s. Bought some on Wednesday, money well spent”; and “Bought for lunch today and everyone said everything was excellent. Thank you and well done”.
“We love getting these great reviews from our customers. Some of them call to say they love the food. That is the greatest satisfaction for me,” enthused Aabidi.
At present, there are 30-plus dishes including desserts available at Sayyid’s Foods. The business also prepares some
Guyanese dishes, which were not available when it first opened. A number of the dishes now offered, Aabidi said, were recommendations made by customers. He always pays keen attention to customers’ ideas and perspectives and works towards providing the best possible food and service. The man further explained that they learned to prepare many dishes from watching YouTube videos.
Among the dishes offered are: Pakora Kari, Vegetable Biryani, Veg Mix Kofta Curry, Tomato Paneer Kari, Aloo Paneer Kofta Curry, Paneer Bhurji, Veg Korma (Curry), Pani Puri, Onion-Besan Pakora, Chee Rice, Tandoori Roti, Alu Paratha, Mutton Biryani, Beef Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Beef Kofta Curry, Chicken Kofta Curry, Butter Chicken, Mutton Korma (Curry), Beef Burger, Chicken Burger, Beef Korma (Curry), Beef Seekh Kabab, Chicken Korma, Chicken Lollipop, Beef