Rawalpindi’s brand-new Kartarpura Food Street has emerged as the hub of Ramadan nights, lit by sparkling lights and smelling of sizzling grills. This lively culinary centre, which is tucked away beneath the Chandni Chowk flyover, is a feast for your senses as well as your taste buds.
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 Ramadan food bazaar is unique because it combines innovation and tradition. Shops like “Lahore 0 Kilometre” attract customers from Rawalpindi and nearby Islamabad by creatively recreating traditional flavours.
Ramadan treats have long been associated with Kartarpura’s traditional food strip, but many people felt that the little streets were too crowded. Families now have a roomy, laid-back option. With something for everyone, the new food strip is a welcome homage to the long-standing custom of sharing a meal at suhoor and iftar.
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.
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
Kartarpura cuisine Street provides more than simply cuisine, whether you’re enjoying succulent nihari, savouring savoury lassi, or trying out a contemporary twist on dumplings. It’s a celebration of creativity, tradition, and community that makes Ramadan nights seem both fresh and incredibly 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.
