Splendid Food, Company and Family : Yasmin Osman

Yasmin Osman, mother of three boys and genius behind the Splendid Food Company in Chennai, is a charming woman with magic hands. We caught up with her over a ‘samples’ (We ‘sampled’ so well) of her food and went out dancing. 

Tell us about Splendid Food Company… 

Splendid Food Company was established in 1995. I started with home catering- mutton biriyani and kebabs mostly. Any party of 15 members or more would be served ‘Cutchi Memon Style’ Biriyani. Our older generations were from Kutch in Gujarat and they came down south as textile merchants. So we cook in that style and keep those traditions alive. I studied in Chennai and settled down in Bangalore. When it was decided we were to move to Chennai, I’d made up my mind to do something- start something for a niche market and cater to them, well. My close set of friends and family loved my cooking and so did all the extended family. We would all cook together- friends would come over and help me. As my boys were growing up, I had more time on my hands. And through 20 years of being in this business, I’ve picked up some skills that help me everyday. I know I’m going the right way when people call up and say they enjoyed my food. 

About the challenges you face…

My business is very labour intensive. I need all hands on deck. There are some things I make every day and some only to order. Whichever way, my Biriyani especially, needs to be cooked in a special way and quality in all my products is key. I make sure I personally take calls on these things. 

The products on offer… 

We started with Biriyani and Kebabs like I said- but today, we cater to a whole new audience. We still do our Biriyanis (a minimum of 2 kgs) with Mutton, Chicken, Fish or Prawn. Kebabs range from a really famous Shammi kebab to our personal favourite, Shikanpuri kebab. We also do sides like Chicken 65 and Veg Cocktail samosas. Our Packaged food retails at Nuts N Spices and Brown Tree- health food, granolas and bars. My daughter-in-law Sadia Gibran has brought in her wide variety of desserts- cheesecakes, souffles and chiffon pies. We’re also the official distributors of Switz  that makes Samosa and Spring Roll patti. We do a range of jams, squashes and preserves as well. 

Mutton Biriyani

‘Meaty’ chunks of Mutton, marinated to perfection and cooked over firewood until smokey, served steaming hot and full of aroma- topped with crisp onions- their Biriyani comes with raita and brinjal curry and made us cry a little. All their Biriyanis are in the price range of Rs 1800-2500 and need a minimum of 2 kgs to order and 24 hrs notice. 

Chicken and Cheese Croquettes 

Breaded chicken mince hides a chunk of cheese and is served with Mayo. Dunk away. 

Shammi Kebab 

Minced mutton kebabs that will give several kebabs a complex. Spiced to perfection, you won’t need a dip for company. 

Shikanpuri Kebabs 

We met this one for the first time. One bite and you’ll know why Yasmin lets her cooking talk for her. A little surprise lies hidden in this mutton mince. All her kebabs range from Rs 300-700 for a dozen. 

Chicken 65 

I can hear several stomachs applauding the familiar 65. Just when you think you’ve met chicken 65 so many times and know just what it tastes like, she surprises you. We hid a couple of pieces in our pockets for later. 

Samosas 

Light and flaky, mildly spiced and full of flavour, these guys are a crowd-pleaser. 

Parottas and Butter Chicken 

A wise person once said, “We oughtn’t have kept butter and chicken apart all these years”. Mark our words, you won’t meet another Butter Chicken like this one. Ever. Her flaky parottas make a fine pair. 

Granola Mix 

Their granola mix is divine. It’s the right amount of crunch and munch, we would say. 

Health Bars and Health Food

Pick one of these out at many outlets across Chennai and you won’t be snacking unhealthy. Their health food is addictive. It’s sweet and makes the perfect start to the day. 

Strawberry preserve

If your bread isn’t sitting with this one, it’s leading a sad life. 

Ginger Lime Squash 

The perfect combination; don’t let the ginger scare you into thinking this might be a spicy drink. Your guests will love this one. 

What does the future see… 

Lots of catering and happy tummies- but also more health food. Sticking to the basics. We don’t believe in processed food or preservatives. We’ll always keep it fresh. 

Call Splendid Food Company at 044- 26448261. 9841018191 today; we hear you’re throwing a party?