New Kartarpura Food Street: A Culinary Haven in Rawalpindi

The New Kartarpura Food Street in Rawalpindi features around 30 eateries, offering a family-friendly alternative to the congested Kartarpura Street. Traditional Pakistani dishes and innovative options are available, including popular lassi and momos. The street promotes local businesses and aims to provide a pleasant dining atmosphere, inspired by Ramadan food festivals in Dubai.

The New Kartarpura Food Street, located at Chandni Chowk, has quickly become a notable attraction in Rawalpindi, featuring approximately 30 new eateries. This venue provides a spacious, family-oriented alternative to the older Kartarpura Street, which has been a major food district since the 19th century and is recognized for its traditional dishes, including nihari and siri paye.

Lassi, both salty and sweet, plays a vital role in the offerings, with many vendors from Lahore and Gujranwala participating. The demand for lassi is particularly high during Ramadan, emphasizing its significance during iftar and sahoor meals. Due to persistent complaints regarding congestion at the old street, numerous stalls have now relocated to this new facility, which opened under the Chandni Chowk flyover coinciding with Ramadan and is expected to remain operational thereafter.

Abdul Latif Rashid, of Kala Khan Nihari House, noted the positive reception of the new venue, stating it provides a proper space for families. Organizer Raja Usama mentioned that the concept for the food street was inspired by Ramadan food festivals in Dubai, promoting small businesses and creating a pleasant environment for families.

Muhammad Hamza from Lahore 0 Kilometer highlighted the appeal of their seven-flavor lassi, drawing customers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He expressed admiration for Arab culture, which resonates with local patrons, while also garnering interest from visitors who take photos of him in traditional attire.

Several visitors, including Mahnoor Kareem, praised the New Kartarpura Food Street for its relief from the overcrowding of the traditional area, stating that families find it a more suitable dining option. Kanwal Zahra, a vendor, shared that her offerings include traditional food recipes from her family, emphasizing the quality and authenticity of her dishes.

Additionally, innovative food choices are making an impression, such as the momos from vendor Meena Nabeel. She noted the initial reluctance of customers, particularly young men, but reported that those who try the dumplings often return with friends, indicating the growing popularity of these offerings.

The New Kartarpura Food Street has successfully revitalized the culinary landscape in Rawalpindi by offering a spacious, family-friendly environment with diverse food options. It has alleviated issues of congestion faced in the older street while maintaining traditional flavors through familiar and innovative offerings. As the food street continues post-Ramadan, it symbolizes a blend of cultural appreciation and community engagement, attracting a wide array of visitors seeking a unique dining experience.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com