ALOR SETAR: During the afternoons in Ramadan, the aroma of simmering dishes begins drifting from a modest home in Simpang Empat near here.
This is where Atikah Abdullah Hasnan, 42, can be found cooking.
Coconut milk bubbles gently, spices crackle and rice steams as Atikah, assisted by her husband Mohd Aminuddin Abdul Wahab, moves briskly between the kitchen counters.
In just a few hours, meals will be neatly packed into tiffin carriers and sent off to homes across Alor Setar and as far as Tunjang in Jitra.
But these are more than ordinary deliveries.
For many of her customers, the tiffins are acts of devotion.
“Most of those who place orders are those working in other states, as far as Selangor, who want their parents to have proper meals to break fast,” Atikah said, Bernama reported.
Atikah, who previously ran a small catering operation, decided to venture into Ramadan tiffin sets this year.
On the first day of fasting, only two orders came in which got her worried.
However, word soon spread and orders climbed steadily to between 20 and 25 daily.
Every meal comprises rice, a protein dish and vegetables, though Atikah changes the menu daily to keep things interesting.
“If the day’s offering is beef but a customer prefers chicken, I’ll adjust it,” she added.
By 4pm, Atikah heads out in her car while her husband sets off on his motorcycle, making sure that all the deliveries arrive before it is time to break fast.
The service is priced at RM70 a week for Alor Setar and RM80 for Jitra (inclusive of delivery).
“So far, the feedback has been deeply rewarding. We are already considering expanding next year,” said Atikah.
