The whole of Pakistan is extraordinarily invested in exceptional food taste, and that too is recognized around the world. But when it comes to the food preferences and what amuses the “jatuks”, twin cities has a niche of its own.
The capital (Islamabad) has its own aura and it is
completely different to what’s being offered in the historial city of Pindi
just across the border of Islamabad. Since Rawalpindi has a tremendous history
associated to the true Indian culinary experiences, Hungry Jatuks decided to
roam the streets of Pindi and asked some of the foody sattis, abbasi, and raya
jees in a food street to ask about what meets their taste buds.
The 'food street' near Banni Chowk in Kirtarpura Main
Bazaar, in the heart of the garrison city, is possibly best known. The
location, just off Saidpur Road, is bustling with activities all day and, due to
the ever increasing traffic as it’s a Pindi is a hub of all sorts for outskirts
of Punjab and KP, it becomes so
congested that getting around is a headache.
The small lane that has become known as the Banni food
strip comes alive when the clock strikes midnight. As you enter the alley, you
are greeted by vats of delicious nihari, enormous cauldrons of hot paye, the
sizzle of spicy pathooras on industrial-scale woks, and the yells of numerous
food mongers peddling their wares.
The famed Bala Tikka House is located just across the
corner from the food street. For as long as most people can remember, Bala, or
Iqbal, has been tantalising Pindiites' taste buds. Bala’s popularity can be
assessed with the fact that if not you, then one of the jatuks you know would
always recommend Bala Tikka’s delicacy when it’s a matter of best places to eat
in Pindi. Haven’t tried that yet? We recommend you should.
His karahi is legendary, and the secret to his success
is diversity. You can choose between regular chicken karahi and butter chicken
karahi. You can order kebabs and boti that have been barbequed, or have them
cooked in desi ghee and served like a karahi; the possibilities are seemingly
unlimited.
Bala conducts a lot of business all year, so it's no
surprise that things pick up around Ramadan. Of course, who wouldn’t want to
fast with a perfect Sehri of Bala Tikka. But its not just about Ramadan, you
will often find Bala Tikka’s abode full on weekends, or any other festivity.
Additionally, not just Bala Tikka though, owners of
smaller establishments, on the other hand, are overwhelmed with hungry
customers yearning for a taste of the delights on offer. Kala Khan, the
nihari-wallah, is another culinary institution in Kirtarpura.
Kala Khan's mystique is as deep as his gooey,
Karachi-style nihari. This institution, which prides itself on using only the
finest mutton, has a cult-like following, and many Pindiites swear by the quality
of the nihari cooked in Kala Khan's cauldron.
The tandoors on the food street are also exceptional.
With dishes like 'Chicken Roghni Naan' and 'Qeema Roghni Naan,' everything here
guarantees a full stomach and a lot of oil, which are essential ingredients in
any desi eating experience. Makhni Chana and saag, grilled fish and chicken,
creamy lassi and cool rose sherbet, kheer, firni, and various sweetmeats can all
be found here.
Before partition, Kirtarpura and Banni Chowk were
known as a Hindu quarter, according to some business owners running their
business in the famous food street for years. Fairs and festivals were held
here, and the neighbourhood was always bustling with activity. Now, Kirtarpura
has evolved into an informal yet more glorious food street.
Not just you, if any of your friends, guests and
relatives visit the twin cities and inquire about the cuisine and its
brilliance, take them straight to Kirtarpura, you know more than we do that
desi food there would make their trip worthwhile. Stay connected with our blog
as we will keep updating you with some of the finest eateries in the twin
cities to make your experiences better. Jatuk signing off.
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