The English proverb, “Necessity is the mother of invention”, aptly describes how some housewives in Riyadh have out of financial need used their cooking skills to solve their financial difficulties. By cooking Saudi dishes for largely working women and bachelors, these women make enough to lead independent lives. The demand for their services has increased tremendously during Ramadan. Umm Rashid, a Saudi woman in her late 40s, who has been a participant on the program “Traditional Foods” on Saudi TV, said: “I started cooking for others, in return for money, about nine years ago.” She said her friends advised her to get into the business. In a very short time she attracted several customers, mostly married working women. She usually strikes a deal with customers a week before the start of Ramadan. Many of her customers are keen that their breakfast table in Ramadan includes “Al-Marasai and Hail Kubayba”, both popular Saudi dishes. She said the demand for traditional meals increases considerably in the middle of the holy month. She said this particular period is called “Al-Qerqan” and is celebrated by most Saudi families. “In fact, sometimes I cook these dishes for them at their homes. Other times I will cook at my home.” The dishes include “Al-Marasai, Hail Kubayba, pastries and Sambosas.” She charges SR100 for a 1.5 liter food container and SR200 for larger containers. She charges per item for pastries. A small container of Hail Kubayba costs SR50. She said that the business has helped her a great deal financially and she no longer has to take out any loans. She said that she has also developed a loyal following of male customers, particularly bachelors, who regularly order soups and pastries throughout the holy month. Umm Talal, who is from Taif, said she has been running her business for more than five years. In the beginning she cooked only for relatives but her family advised her to expand her business. She said the material return is worth the effort. She now uses a Saudi driver to deliver the dishes ordered by families. “I am very busy now. I'm not exaggerating if I tell you I don't have time to scratch my head.” The most expensive dishes she has served was for a wedding party, for which she made SR4,000. She is now learning to cook traditional meals from other parts of the Kingdom, including from the Hijaz and southern regions.
