The Kusni Purely Bohri
Farida ben Kagalwala
Insiyah ben Salman Vichchiyawala
Coimbatore
In the vibrant tapestry of culinary traditions within the Dawoodi Bohra Community of South India, one name stands out – The Kusni, a culinary venture rooted in the heart of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. For Bohri cuisine enthusiasts, satisfying their cravings can be quite the challenge, as authentic options are often scarce. However, in recent times, a new wave of culinary entrepreneurs, both women and men, have taken up the mantle, bringing the unique flavours of Bohri cuisine to the forefront. Among them, The Kusni – Purely Bohri, a name that holds a special place in the hearts of those who have discovered it.
The origin of this delightful venture can be traced to a time when lockdowns and ample spare hours presented Farida ben Kagalwala with a puzzle – how to navigate these challenging times. It was her husband, Hussain bhai, who lit the spark by reminiscing about the delectable masalawala aloo and chana bateta, a Bohri staple that his father used to prepare. With that cherished memory, a culinary journey began.
Farida ben embarked on her venture with modest aspirations, taking in a handful of orders. Little did she anticipate the tidal wave of enthusiasm that would soon follow as word spread about the mouthwatering Bohri snacks on offer. Gradually, buoyed by her growing confidence, Farida ben expanded her menu to include a variety of dishes, from dal and keema samosas to the irresistible Chicken 65. As Ramadan approached, the demand for iftar treats soared, marking a turning point in their journey.
With this surge in popularity, the brand found its identity – “The Kusni – Purely Bohri.” Farida ben’ sister-in-law, Insiyah Salman Vichiyawala, joined the venture, strengthening the team’s resolve to create culinary delights that resonated with their community and beyond.
From humble beginnings, The Kusni soon evolved, transitioning from snacks to full-course meals tailored for groups. They ventured into weekly lunch subscriptions, an endeavour that saw promising uptake, marking a noteworthy start for this culinary venture.
Fast forward to today, and The Kusni is dispatching 15 delectable lunch packs to various locations across Coimbatore. The team, consisting of Farida ben, Insiya ben, and Hussain bhai, embodies the spirit of dedication and teamwork. Hussain bhai oversees the marketing aspect, while Insiya ben and Farida ben curate menus, whip up delightful dishes, handle packaging, and ensure seamless delivery.
It’s going to be four fortune years of their cloud kitchen reaching people for the different delicacies we are making. Other than Bohri dishes, their snacks and Chaat corner is in demand all the time. Unlike other restaurants, they believe in ready-to-serve Chaat, wherein, every item is packed separately, even the garnish ingredients. Just have to plate the ingredients one by one and serve.
“We are soon coming up with a commercial kitchen and hoping that we reach the nearby towns and let the whole south of India rejoice in Bohri cuisine”, adds Farida ben.
In the story of The Kusni – Purely Bohri, we witness the remarkable impact that women entrepreneurs can have when they uplift each other and their communities.
It’s a testament to the power of solidarity and shared ambition. These entrepreneurs exemplify leadership through entrepreneurship, serving as beacons of inspiration and unwavering determination. They are the real wonder women, the heroes of our modern era.
