Words by Ayesha

The heavenly aroma of a perfectly baked lasagna wafts Lara’s kitchen almost every day. Her neighbors compliment her for the drool-worthy aroma while she bakes whilst her customers wait impatiently for their food to be taken out from the oven and ready to be delivered. Meet Aishath Lara Fayaz, the Chef behind the amazing Lasagna, which is the talk of the town.  Lara is proving just what one can achieve through passion and hard work.

The pandemic has had its impact on all of us.  It has changed our lives and left its mark on each and every one of us.  Lara was studying to get her Master’s degree in Malaysia when the pandemic hit. According to Lara she came back for holidays on her semester break and got stuck in Male’.

Like many other home-based cooks that flourished during the Covid-19 lockdown Lara started to make a mean beef and chicken lasagna. Her Instagram page “Homemade by Lara” simply asks everyone to come along for a food adventure with her. Over thousands have already hopped on the wagon and are ready to go.

According to Lara, she has had an interest for cooking from as long as she can remember.  She comes from a long line of women who have been passionate about food preparation. Her great grandmother was always preserving onions and making jars of pickles or locally known as “Asaara” to be sold. She also draws inspiration from her aunt’s cooking.  Growing up she appreciated the home-cooked meals and like many of us agrees nothing beats a meal cooked with love.

“Just like there are many young at-home bakers who sell cookies and various chocolaty treats, lasagna is something you can indulge in. Especially for those who seek comfort in savory foods. There is a demand too as many youngsters have an endless craving for a well-cooked pasta with cheese.  So, I thought why not Lasagna too. The lasagna sauce I make is made from scratch. However, the sheets are store bought”

With the encouragement of her family, Lara pursued baking Lasagna for a recipe she perfected over the years. “The key to keeping customers happy is not compromising quality ingredients. The beef lasagna I make is made from Australian beef which I purchase from one supplier. The other ingredients are handpicked by myself. Measuring ingredients helps me balance the flavors and make it consistent no matter how large the order.”

Lara beams as she tells me proudly “There are a flock of customers who regularly buy, that is how I know I have kept the quality in control.”

Along with Lasagna, she makes a mouth flaming hot sauce from scratch which is sought by many people. Like any home-based small business, she has challenges. However, she manages it all through a pre-order system. “Lasagna is something you would want to eat fresh, just from the oven. I ask customers to pre-order so that I can make the dish just in time for their lunch or dinner. My husband does all the delivery for me. Sometimes, I go for delivery as well if I am free.”

For a young woman, who has been stuck home due to the pandemic she has been resourceful and has made a name for herself. She chose to work on a passion of hers and make the most out of it in a difficult time for almost everyone. Lara’s signature beef Lasagna is must-eat for any pasta lover. Her plan is to add more dishes to her menu and a dessert to go with the lasagna.