Under the glow of twinkling lights and with the aroma of sizzling grills filling the air, Rawalpindi’s new Kartarpura Food Street has become the heartbeat of Ramadan nights. Nestled under the Chandni Chowk flyover, this vibrant culinary hub is a feast not just for your taste buds, but for your senses.
From the moment you step in, the scene is almost magical. Men dressed in traditional Middle Eastern thobes and ghutras spin lassi in large metal pots, smiling at curious onlookers. This isn’t just any Ramadan food market; it’s where heritage meets innovation. Vendors like “Lahore 0 Kilometer” recreate authentic flavors with a unique flair, drawing crowds from both Rawalpindi and neighboring Islamabad.
Kartarpura’s historic food street has long been synonymous with Ramadan delicacies, but many found its narrow streets too crowded. Now, families have a spacious, relaxed alternative. The new food street is a refreshing tribute to the age-old tradition of sharing a meal during suhoor and iftar, with something for everyone.
A Culinary Adventure
From the famed nihari of Kala Khan Nihari House to the creamy palak paneer served with roti and jaggery tea, each stall offers a slice of nostalgia infused with flavor. Fresh dumplings, fried chicken momos, and mouthwatering lassi in seven unique flavors add an inventive twist to the traditional fare. Dumpling vendor Meena Nabeel laughed, “At first, people were hesitant to try momos, but now they bring their friends back for more.”
It’s not just the food that’s winning hearts. The atmosphere, with its live cooking stations and family-friendly vibe, has made it a runaway success. Chinese language instructor Mahnoor Kareem shared her joy: “We’d avoid the old Kartarpura because of overcrowding. Here, we tried their siri paye and lassi, and we loved it.”
Inspiration Behind the Magic
Raja Usama, the food street’s enterprising organizer, took inspiration from Ramadan food festivals in Dubai. “This is about supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs while giving families a safe, spacious environment to enjoy,” he explained.
Even the vendors are part of the charm. Muhammad Hamza of Lahore 0 Kilometer beams in his thobe. “People respect this attire. It makes me feel connected to the Arab world,” he says, as customers snap pictures of him scooping frothy lassi.
A Ramadan Tradition Reimagined
Whether you’re indulging in tender nihari, sipping flavorful lassi, or exploring a modern take on dumplings, Kartarpura Food Street offers more than just food. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and innovation, brightening Ramadan nights in a way that feels both new and deeply familiar.
The food street is set to continue even after Ramadan, promising to remain a gathering spot for good food and great memories. And as you stroll through the stalls, it’s impossible not to feel the joy and connection that Ramadan brings to these twin cities, one delicious bite at a time.
