Judging from customer comments on its Facebook page, Sayyid’s Foods provides authentic Indian cuisine through its range of dishes.
Based 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 several locations where the family made many friends whom they would invite to join them for lunch at their home. The Aabidis cookery was so well received that friends started encouraging 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 originally called Biryani Indians, but friends persuaded him to personalize it, which led to the name change.
The Aabidis are devout Muslims, so Sayyid Foods offerings are Halal only. They also offer vegetarian dishes. However, pre-order can only be pre-ordered and as such people are required to place their orders between 20 minutes to an hour before pick-up, depending on the dish. The business does not cater for any on-site lunch and when asked if this was a possibility at some point in the future, Aabidi said no, but it was possible he could have a change of heart.
For the first year, things went reasonably well but then came the elections, and the pandemic followed shortly thereafter, he noted. At the height of both, sales fell. But after a month, business started to rise and then return to normal. Aabidi said part of the reason customers returned was because they knew Sayyid’s Foods would be more hygienic and trusted that they were in good hands during the pandemic.
“Business is growing steadily,” said the businessman. In fact, many of his new customers came word of mouth. The feedback is amazing, Aabidi shared. A view from the business’s Facebook page reveals compliments from customers: “The biryani mutton was amazing, delicious and the taste was authentic. Thanks Sayyid’s. Buy some on Wednesday, money well spent ”; and “Buy 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’s the greatest satisfaction for me, ”Aabidi enthusiasts.
Currently, 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. Many of the dishes now offered, Aabidi said, were recommendations made by customers. He always pays close attention to customers’ ideas and perspectives and works towards providing the best possible food and service. The man further explained that they had learned to prepare many dishes while watching YouTube videos.
Dishes offered include: Pakora Kari, Biryani Vegetables, 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, Biryani Beef, Chicken Biryani, Beef Kofta Curry, Chicken Kofta Curry, Butter Chicken, Korma Mutton (Curry), Beef Burger, Chicken Burger, Beef Korma (Curry), Meat Seekh Kabab Beef, Chicken Korma, Shami Kabab Beef Chicken Lollipop, and Shami Kabab Chicken. Prices start at $ 500 and go up to $ 2,200. The Chicken Biryani, says Aabidi, is one of the most popular dishes sold.
Desserts start at $ 200 per serving and fruit drinks are also available.
Sourcing the ingredients, says Aabidi, is one of its challenges as many of them are not 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 says, is garam masala. He goes about this by importing the individual spices from India and sourcing it locally from his family members.
Another challenge is finding a delivery service to deliver on time. The businessman shared that a delivery service is sometimes called but it 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, given the high volume of orders a whole fleet would need to do so. Communication, says Aabidi, is critical in service delivery. It is important that honesty prevails, he added, so even if the news is something he wished he didn’t have to share, like letting a customer know the shipment was running late, it’s still do.
“Being honest is the key to a successful business,” Aabidi shared.
Sayyid’s Foods caters for all events. Although the business is mainly run by family members, there are times when large orders are placed, and extra help is needed. In these times, Aabidi hires individuals outside his family. December, he said, was the peak season for the business as many companies, ministries and other organizations 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 asked to place their orders before 12.30 pm or after 2pm. 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 will become so popular that returning visitors and Guyanese are seeking it.
Aabidi’s family, the proudly shared man, is gifted 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.