MALAPPURAM (KERALA): A small village in Malappuram has become a source for samosas during Ramzan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aroma of a crunchy samosa anywhere in Malappuram could lead you to the village of Pazhamalloor, the bus stop which over the years has come to be known as Samosappadi.
Eateries in various parts of the Gulf nation are calling in samosa-makers from Samosappadi as special invitees for Ramzan. They make decent earnings, enjoy an overseas trip in the process, before heading back home post the holy month.
Since long, the place has been a default option for bakeries, restaurants and organisers of various functions while it comes to purchasing the north Indian delicacy. And many other snacks too. Going beyond the contours of the state, the village is slowly earning fame in the UAE too.
Fourteen youngsters are currently in the UAE to work in various snacks-making units. “Mosques, offices and other institutions organise Iftar functions every day during Ramzan,” Mohammed Farooq C, a samosa-maker, said.
When Farooq went to the UAE four years ago, the payment was 30 UAE dirhams for 1,000 samosas. Now, the wage has gone up to 40 AEDs. On an average, a worker makes 3,000 samosas working up to 12-14 hours.
Visa and tickets are arranged by the sponsors. Most samosa makers in Pazhamalloor have visited the UAE at least once, with around 60 people having made it so far.
During Ramzan, the village prepares more than 22,000 snacks a day while the production goes down to 20,000 on normal days.