I’ve been interacting with Sajid for a while on Twitter and met him on a trip to Bangalore, where he invited me to try the ‘best biryani in Bangalore’ in his words. I was confused when we arrived at his house when he revealed, that the best biryani in Bangalore was to be found in his wife’s kitchen; Arshiya’s Kitchen. Can’t think of a bigger compliment from a husband to his wife, considering it isn’t an idle comment made at the family dining table. During a lovely lunch, much of which I’d have loved to take second and perhaps even third helpings of, we learnt Arshiya planned to go commercial with her talents; an endevour we wish her all the best with!
When did you start cooking and who introduced you to the kitchen?
I was passionate about cooking from childhood itself. My father was into leather business and he used to bring many of his European customers home for lunch or dinner. I guess, the exotic dishes made for those guests got me fascinated and interested into cooking quite early. Naturally, I started learning from my mom.
Were you encouraged to learn cooking as a child? Who was your biggest mentor?
Yes, my mom let me help her in kitchen and also used to pass on the tips even before I tried cooking. Though I don’t remember myself, my mom tells me that I used to pester her and our home cook to let me do small chores in the kitchen and gradually started getting into cooking when I was 12 or 13 years old. Strange as it may sound, I really didn’t have a regular mentor and after leaning the basics, I started experimenting even the regular dishes made at home. Of course, the closest to be a mentor would be my mom.
Where did you grow up and what are your favorite foods?
I grew up in my native place, Ambur (in Tamil Nadu) which is famous for Jasmine flowers (locally called as ‘mallippoo’), leather industry and – guess what – Biryani! 
After getting married, I moved to Bangalore with my husband and have settled here since. My favorite food is Macaroni cooked with Biryani masala. It’s spicy and yummy!
Which cuisines do you cook today and which is the one you most favour?
I cook Indian (South, North, Mughlai), Chinese, Italian and Mexican. Also, recently started trying my hand at Mediterranean cuisine. I experiment a lot and try to improvise many of the traditional recipes. My favorite cuisine to cook is Mughlai style cuisine.
What has been your biggest culinary challenge till date? Tell us about it!
My biggest culinary challenge would be when I had to cook Biryani for 130 guests during a Diwali function in our apartment complex (Prestige Greenwoods), couple of years back. I had to cook both vegetarian and non-vegetarian that too in my home kitchen! The biggest challenge was the timing. The Biryani had to be served hot as there was no heating facility in the food stall. It was a challenging but very happy experience as eventually it was a complete sellout and everyone enjoyed the Biryani. Thanks to that success, I cooked for 300 guests in next year’s function for two more apartments’ function in two days.
How would you describe your relationship with food & cooking?
For me, cooking is a passion and has never been a chore. I have always loved and enjoyed cooking since childhood. I’m quite comfortable in my cooking; be it starters, main courses, desserts or snacks. So, I guess, it’s a love-love relationship between me and my food & cooking!
Do your children share your passion for food?
Oh, absolutely. In fact, our entire family including my husband and kids share an interest in food. My daughters are showing lot of early potential and are really into cooking at an early age like me. Now both my daughters help me in the kitchen how I used to do in my childhood. I think their interest level also went up as I and my husband watch the cooking channels. I think cooking competitions like MasterChef (Australia, India & USA) have also helped in raising the awareness.
Do you plan to go into business for yourself? What would you offer potential clients?
I’m already running a catering business from home. Though I initially started catering only to friends, it gradually grew into a small business, thanks to the excellent response from my early customers as well as encouragement and support from my husband. Now we’re planning to go big. We’re going to start our retail outlets with Biryani as the primary theme. I feel that the authentic and awesome taste of my Biryani will be the biggest differentiator. (this is not me talking but my customers!). You’ll be hearing about this very soon.
Who do you call when you’re puzzled over a cooking related problem? Why?
Internet! My iPad is my savior during difficult times. It never ceases to amaze me how much of info is available out there. Besides various food related websites, YouTube is also a great source. I also have a huge collection of recipe books which give me new ideas to experiment. Besides internet, of course, I do consult with my mom for the dishes that I learned from her. She’s an expert in rice and rice based dishes.
A word of advice for young and novice cooks?
First and foremost, you should be passionate about cooking. It should come from your heart. Second, be original and don’t be afraid to experiment while cooking. Even today I realize how much I’m learning everyday; new cooking techniques and recipes across the world. Happy cooking!
My compliments to the trio.. The author/interviewer, the interviewee and the introducer (in this case a”husband”). The whole read is sweet, not to mention the pictures (caramel pudding to be precise). Food looks “to die for”.. Whatever happened to the biryani?
Must say though this is a case study worthy post. Our full support to the lady when she goes commercial with the biryani- trust the wait won’t be too long
Tarun,
Thank you for the kind words and the support. We’re well on our way to start the retail outlets very soon. With well wishers like you and many other friends, it won’t be long. Thanks to Sid too (and Natasha) for the opportunity and coverage with the wider audience.
Cheers.
This is a very interesting read. I am a fortunate enough to taste Biryani at Sajid’s place few times
I shamelessly invite myself to his place whenever I am in Bangalore, I love the Biryani Arshiya makes.I am sure she will go places.