From unniyappam to premium Cafe Kudumbashree, a story of culinary success

On a torrential August day 13 years ago, Shareefa Kalathingal’s determination ignited a spark that would change her family’s fate. With a meagre loan of ₹100 from a neighbour, she conjured up 10 packets of unniyappam, a sweet treat that would become her ticket out of poverty.

Her children and husband, Sakeer, a painter struggling to find work in the rainy season, waited eagerly for her humble offering. Little did she know that she was making a bold step towards a brighter future.

With her packets of freshly made unniyappam, Shareefa nervously approached the local grocery shop at Hajiyarpalli, Malappuram. The shop owner’s initial skepticism slowly gave way to surprise as the treats sold out quickly. Before long, Shareefa’s modest venture sparked a flurry of orders for pathiri and chapati, setting her on a path to culinary success.

In 2018, Shareefa launched Muthu’s Catering as part of the Kudumbashree movement. With a ₹2 lakh loan from Kudumbashree, she expanded her catering business and introduced an innovative ‘dabba’ scheme. Under this initiative, she began delivering lunches to staff members at the Civil Station, Malappuram.

Undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic, Shareefa’s entrepreneurial spirit thrived. She started a food delivery initiative to Government Medical College Hospital at Manjeri, serving breakfast and rice gruel to 2,000 persons daily and by employing 15 women.

This endeavour led to long-term partnerships in catering. Today, her team continues to deliver breakfast to patients at Manjeri medical college. Shareefa expanded her operations to manage the canteens at Kottakkal Ayurveda College and Central School, Malappuram. Her reputation as a reliable caterer got a boost as she began receiving major catering orders from Kudumbashree.

Her culinary skills impressed the ministers who took part in an adalat at Swalat Nagar, where she served biryani to 1,500 people. The event sparked a buzz about starting a premium hotel, and soon her vision took shape with Cafe Kudumbashree at Kottakkal.

Cafe Kudumbashree offers a range of amenities, including parcel service, take-away counters, waiting area, catering, online ordering, parking and restrooms.

The menu offers Kerala, Arabic and Chinese dishes, along with local Malappuram specialities. The cafe is always bustling. Shareefa’s success has made her a support pillar for many families.

With 30 staff under her wing, Shareefa’s venture is booming. She has fulfilled her dreams, owning a home and giving her children quality education. Her story, from selling just 10 packets of unniyappam to catering big events, showcases her grit and confidence.