Zaika-e-Nizamuddin, as the name suggests, is the ‘zaika’ or flavours of Nizamuddin which has been carried forward generations after generations in this 700 year old living heritage.
Food from ZeN also gives you a peek into the culture of Nizamuddin and a delightful sense of contentment, packed nicely in a box of kebabs or a bowl of biryani. That’s what makes it stand apart!
In the year 2011, a study on malnutrition in the basti which included observing and recording eating patterns and discussions with mothers, indicated a high prevalence of malnourishment in almost 50 % of the children. One of the main reasons that emerged during the study indicated lack of availability of healthy snack food options.
Zaika-e-Nizamuddin - a self help group comprising of the mothers of Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti emerged as a result of the process. The group works on a dual objective of addressing malnutrition in the basti children through making low cost nutritious snacks and providing livelihood opportunities to the members involved through options like catering, home-delivery etc.
In past one year, Zaika-e-Nizamuddin has grown on different fronts. In the year 2015, the group started a revenue generation wing wherein the members make and sell the authentic Mughlai cuisine of Nizamuddin.
Some dishes aren’t just made of listed ingredients, they are made of stories. They don’t just have spices to add taste, they have culture.
Zaika-e-Nizamuddin, as the name suggests, is the ‘zaika’ or flavour of Nizamuddin which has been carried forward generations after generations in this 700 year old living heritage.
At ZeN we never use preservatives or frozen ingredients in our cooking. All the products made by the women are prepared by hand, in small batches under strict hygienic and safe working conditions.
Food from Zaika-e-Nizamuddin group not only ensures an unforgettable culinary experience but also gives you a peek into the culture of Nizamuddin and a delightful sense of contentment, packed nicely in a box of kebabs or a bowl of biryani. That’s what makes it stand apart!
Enjoy your journey through Nizamuddin!!
Supported by AKDN’s Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative of Aga Khan Development Network, ZeN was started with some mothers as a response to 50% malnourishment amongst children in the basti and the need to ensure healthy snack habits.
Currently supported under the project, ZeN is thriving to become an independent women enterprise. The members of ZeN, perfecting their art day after day, are in the process of emerging into professional chefs and also managers managing their enterprise.
The main objective for the future is to function as a sustainable, profitable and independent enterprise providing sustained , enhanced and dignified incomes to its members.
The group has evolved into an enterprise owned by 10 confident women perfecting their art day after day, taking baby steps towards regaining their lost identities. It is not just empowering but also endearing to see the ‘bajis’ of Nizamuddin dressed in aprons and head gear, making haleem using their grandmother’s recipe in a fully safe and hygienic bawarchi khana.
When tradition meets enterprise, you get a ZeN kebab; when hundreds of ZeN kebabs meet their customers, Neha (a proud ZeN member) gets a scooty for her husband.
And when thousands of Nehas are able to buy scooties, we move a step forward to a better world and a tastier one too.
Enjoy your journey through Nizamuddin!!