Tchokawangan

A resident of Srinagar, the idea took shape in Ahmad’s mind during the clampdown after the government abrogated Article 370 in August 2019. A friend who didn’t have access to food with restaurants being shut, had asked him to send a meal over. On his way home after delivering the food is when he had a moment of epiphany. He is now assisted by his wife Nida Rehman.

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All ingredients are sourced locally. “Our fish comes from the old lady around the corner who sells fresh catch from the river that she goes out to fish in. Our spices are bought locally and blended at home; everything is seasonal and local. As a small enterprise, our idea is to empower other small enterprises as well.” Ahmad knows the damage that ingredients like MSG or synthetic food colours can do to your stomach. “The impact is telling. The Valley is facing a rise in lifestyle diseases.”

Incidentally, there is no fridge in his kitchen. Ahmad tells us it is to ensure the food is cooked fresh every single day. In the evening, leftovers are shared with the needy. Despite being a small startup, Tiffin Aaw has already conducted programmes like Food for Kashmir during the pandemic and has also established the Tiffin Aaw Foundation that is on par with leading NGOs of the country. Whether it’s in the unforgiving winter or to areas where vehicles can’t reach, Ahmed has continued to deliver every single day.  While they started with steel tiffins, COVID-19 norms made it mandatory to switch to disposable containers. Although expensive, the company has opted for biodegradable containers since they hope to embrace an eco-friendly approach.