Atikah's Tiffin Service Helps Children Care For Parents This Ramadan

ALOR SETAR, March 5 (Bernama) -- Each afternoon during Ramadan, the aroma of simmering dishes drifts from a modest home in Simpang Empat near Alor Setar, where 42-year-old Atikah Abdullah Hasnan begins her daily ritual.

By 1 pm, pots are already on the stove. Coconut milk bubbles gently, spices crackle, and rice steams as Atikah, assisted by her 45-year-old husband Mohd Aminuddin Abdul Wahab, moves briskly between kitchen counters.

In just a few hours, the meals will be neatly packed into tiered tiffin carriers and sent off to homes across Alor Setar, and as far as Tunjang in Jitra.

But these are more than ordinary deliveries. For many of her customers, the tiffins are acts of devotion.

“Most of those who place orders are children working outside Kedah, some in Selangor, who want to make sure their parents have proper meals to break fast,” Atikah said.

The idea was a leap of faith. She had previously run a small catering operation, but this year decided to venture into Ramadan tiffin sets. On the first day of fasting, only two orders came in.

“I was worried,” she admitted.

Within a week, however, word spread and orders climbed steadily to between 20 and 25 a day. Atikah now takes bookings from Monday to Thursday, carefully managing what she can handle.

She said every meal follows a simple formula: rice, one protein dish and one vegetable. Yet the menu changes daily across the 30 days of Ramadan to keep things interesting.

“If the day’s offering is beef but a customer prefers chicken, I’ll adjust it for them without hesitation,” she said.

By 4 pm, Atikah would take the car, while her husband sets off on his motorcycle, racing the clock to ensure each delivery arrives before iftar.

The service is modestly priced - RM70 a week for Alor Setar, RM80 for Jitra, inclusive of delivery - making it an accessible option for families wanting peace of mind.

“So far, the encouraging feedback has been deeply rewarding. We are already considering expanding next year,” she said, adding that she can be reached at her Facebook page, Aaradinda.

-- BERNAMA