An east Londoner is marking Ramadan by cooking a family favourite to raise cash for good causes.

Muhida Rahman, 32, from Elm Park, is making chicken biryani in bulk to donate funds towards an orphanage in Bangladesh and the Darul Ummah Masjid in Barking, near where her family lives.

Muhida, a clinical assistant at Moorfields Eye Hospital and a guest lecturer at University of East London, explained that cooking had helped her through struggles in her personal life.

She said: “I embedded cooking as therapy for me. My family would compliment my cooking. So last year I did charity food too but that was through my brother’s shop and we raised money for our local mosque."

Ramadan is a special time in her life every year and she describes what it means to her.

“The act of fasting calls for Muslims to practice self-discipline and sacrifice, as well as reflect upon and show compassion for the poor and less fortunate."

Orders for Muhida’s chicken biryani can be placed by mailing her at muhidarahman@gmail.com.