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 Shami Kabab, and Chicken Shami Kabab. Prices start at $500 and go up to $2,200. The Chicken Biryani, Aabidi said, is one of the most popular dishes sold.
Desserts start at $200 per serving and fruit drinks are also available.
Sourcing the ingredients, Aabidi said, is one of his challenges as not many of them are available on the local market and have to be imported from India. While Guyana may have some of the ingredients, he added, the quality is not always the best. An example, he said, is garam masala. He gets around this by importing the individual spices from India and having it made locally by his family members.
Another challenge is finding a delivery service to deliver on time. The businessman shared that sometimes a delivery service is called but arrives late. The business is then forced to reach out to the customer and explain that their meal would be late. He explained that it is not possible for the business to provide a delivery service, since given the high number of orders it would require an entire fleet to do so. Communication, Aabidi said, is critical when providing a service. It is important that honesty prevails, he added, so even if the news is something he wished he did not have to share, like letting a customer know delivery is running late, he still does so.
“Being honest is the key to a successful business,” shared Aabidi.
Sayyid’s Foods caters for all events. Though the business is mostly operated by family members, there are occasions when large orders are placed, and extra help is required. In these times, Aabidi hires individuals outside of his family. December, he said, was peak season for the business as many companies, ministries and other institutions placed orders for various events including staff lunches and meetings.
The business is open Sunday to Sunday from 9 am to 6.30 pm except on Fridays. Customers are requested to place their orders before 12.30 pm or after 2 pm. The business is closed on Muslim holidays, but customers are always informed in advance.
He hopes that sometime in the near future, Sayyid’s Foods becomes so popular that visitors and returning Guyanese seek it out.
The Aabidi family, the man proudly shared, is gifted with talents including being skilled in technology. They are considering opening a business in this area in the future.
Sayyid’s Foods can be contacted at 623-0565.
