The goodness of almond on wheels
Muadh Zaman
Muadh Zaman’s surprise discovery of ‘Badam’ (almond in Hindi) milk during one of his frequent trips to Aluth Kade has led the young undergrad on a rather unusual route.
Badam Doodh, is the vibrant new food truck serving up almond influenced dishes and beverages, that has joined the fleet stationed at Marine Drive, Bambalapitiya and now temporarily at Galle Road.
Just 21 and following a Bachelors (Hons) Business Information Systems degree at IIT, Muadh admits that although he does not have any prior knowledge of the culinary industry, his personal experiences with street food and food trucks drove him on. “ It has always been my passion to deliver something that would benefit the community and satisfy their cravings with hygienic street food and beverages at an affordable price,” he says.
After intense discussions with his family, during his semester break in April, Muadh with the help of his cousin and friends built their own truck from scratch. From finding the necessary materials and components, putting the truck together and designing it to catch the eyes of passersby, it only took five days to set up.
Badam Doodh opened on April 29 offering their signature ‘badam doodh’ which Muadh proudly declares is the best almond milk in town; ‘badam kheer’ which is a hot drink of Indian-style almond milk; ‘badam rose milk’ which as the name suggests is a cool refreshing cup of rose milk; banoffee pudding and ‘bread chaat’ – crispy bread stuffed with a savoury filling of your choice.
Most of the dishes are almond based as almonds have several health benefits, Muadh explains, adding that just a handful of almonds — approximately 1 ounce — contains one-eighth of our daily protein needs.
Although a food truck usually connotes ‘street/junk food’, by using almonds he hopes Badam Doodh will create a healthier vibe.
Currently Badam Doodh’s team comprises Muadh’s own family and friends with food items being prepared by the former which he says, helps assure quality and hygiene. He and his friends stay up late at the truck selling their products in reusable and recyclable packaging – “so that we are equally contributing our brand to be eco-friendly which is something important to me”.
“Some people think it’s just cooking food, experimenting in the kitchen, and talking to people all day but being a food truck owner is so much more,” Muadh explains. Two strategies to help keep on course and stay motivated is to “change up your entire routine” and “try to make your days easier”, he finds.
With the prevailing travel restrictions it has been quite a struggle, he admits but Muadh has adapted to the changing scene and begun delivery within Colombo enabling customers to order via their Instagram/Facebook Pages or by contacting them directly.
Visit Badam Doodh once travel restrictions are lifted or if you can’t wait, check them out on Instagram on @badam_doodh_ or on Facebook under their name. To contact them directly, call 0774650420
Bright yellow food truck