New Kartarpura Food Street: A Culinary Haven in Rawalpindi

The New Kartarpura Food Street in Rawalpindi offers a spacious, family-friendly dining alternative, featuring around 30 eateries. Inspired by Dubai’s Ramadan food festivals, it emphasizes cultural diversity and promotes small businesses. Visitors appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and culinary prowess, particularly traditional dishes and innovative offerings like momos.

Rawalpindi has recently inaugurated the New Kartarpura Food Street at Chandni Chowk, attracting visitors with its unique ambience. The area features men in traditional Middle Eastern attire preparing lassi in large pots, enhancing the cultural experience. This food street, featuring approximately 30 eateries, offers a spacious alternative to the crowded historic Kartarpura Street, a focal point of culinary delight for decades.

The historic Kartarpura Street is characterized by its rich culinary heritage, known for dishes like nihari and siri paye. Lassi, in both sweet and salty varieties, remains a popular beverage especially during the Ramadan season, attracting vendors from Lahore and Gujranwala. However, the previous congestion and crowding in the older area prompted the creation of this new food street.

Established on the first day of Ramadan under the Chandni Chowk flyover, the New Kartarpura Food Street will remain operational beyond the holy month. Abdul Latif Rashid from Kala Khan Nihari House remarked on the positive reception due to its family-friendly environment.

Raja Usama, the organizer, noted that inspiration for this market emerged from Ramadan food festivals in Dubai, emphasizing a diverse assortment of food while supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs.

Food vendor Muhammad Hamza stated that patrons from both Rawalpindi and Islamabad are flocking to try their seven-flavor lassi, showing appreciation for culture and attire from Arab countries.

Visitors like Mahnoor Kareem find the New Kartarpura a pleasant alternative to the bustling old Kartarpura, appreciating the family atmosphere and the culinary offerings available. Similarly, vendor Kanwal Zahra shared that her establishment serves traditional dishes with an emphasis on authentic recipes.

Innovative dishes are also making their mark; dumpling vendor Meena Nabeel reported an increase in popularity for her momos, mentioning that her customers often return with friends after trying her offerings.

The New Kartarpura Food Street is redefining the dining experience in Rawalpindi, providing a cultural and culinary haven while alleviating pressure from the historic Kartarpura area. With various food options and a welcoming environment, it caters particularly to families seeking a pleasant outing. The venture not only promotes traditional dishes but also encourages innovation among local youth and vendors.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk