Pakistan’s Foodscape: Meet the People

A pottery seller on the streets of Karachi.

Sea View, Karachi is perhaps one of the most popular recreational spots in the city. People from all walks of life have at some point visited this beach.  Vendors can be found all around selling roasted corn, chaat, tea and many other snacks for visitors to enjoy.

Shiny long grains of rice, coloured in bright hues of orange and yellow, fragrant with the smells of various spices, and generous helpings of fluffy potatoes and tender beef. Love for Biryani runs deep in the veins of Karachi, the Al-Rehman staff has their special recipe down.

The combination of which results in a massive demand for biryani during lunch and dinner hours.

Without a doubt, Mrs. Azra Syed held a prominent place in Pakistan’s culinary history, becoming one of the first chefs in Pakistan who learnt to cook foods from all over the world as well as successfully preserving and passing on her pre-partition recipes from her mother after she settled in Karachi, Pakistan. With appearances on various platforms and on television channels such as ARY Zauq and in print - too many to mention - including DAWN and The News, Azra Syed set many culinary trends in Pakistan in her time.

Café Thar, home to an indigenous cuisine, reflective of how people living in the desert enjoy their meals. The management and staff at Café Thar wear clothes that represent their heritage.

Musical night at Café Thar, singers add to the desert-life ambiance by often performing traditional songs native to Thar at the café.

With his family and friends alongside, Pyaro wants to share the indigenous foods of Thar with the entire world, which was his main goal behind initially opening the doors of Café Thar.

The ancient process of pickling has been turned into an entrepreneurial business by two female college graduates living in Karachi.

The entire pickling and relish-making process is in-house for these special recipes by Rahma Nizam's grandmother.

Nihari vendors can be found aplenty, but Karachi’s Zahid Nihari stands apart due to its consistent taste and customer services

He is of Sindhi origin and wishes to provide an ambience that reflects the Sindhi culture to enhance the dining experience at his café. Hence, the traditional Sindhi music, artwork and décor provide a complete ethnic experience to diners. Mr Jamali has also tried his best to include famous regional recipes from the cities and villages of Sindh including Hyderabad, Thatta and his own city, Nawabshah.

Owners of Al-Manzar, a legendary fish eatery in Jamshoro, Sindh

Established in 1979, Al-Manzar Restaurant serves unique fish recipes which cannot be found anywhere else.

Tea is an integral part of Pakistani culture. A hot cup of tea is available at small food street style dhabas.

Small, flaky, almost buttery parathas make it a complete breakfast.

Well-known in Karachi's seafood-lovers circle for his fish and crab recipes.

One of Pakistan’s most popular food is spicy, meaty barbecue, such as the kind found at Karachi’s Rizwan Kabab House.

Pakistan’s popular street food, kata-kat is as unique as its name.

Chopping up the mustard greens, locally known as saag to cook a traditional winter feast.

From farming to harvesting, the people of Kunri band together to work hard.