RAWALPINDI: Every time that Ramazan falls during the summer months, the faithful are quite wary of venturing outside in the scorching summer sun. Because Iftar, Taraveeh and Sehri all take place after dark, that is also the time when the garrison city comes alive.

Indeed, the night life in Rawalpindi is quite happening during Ramazan and most youths spend the nights playing cricket or football, before heading off to Sehri in the wee hours. Most youngsters do not sleep until after Fajr prayers, and can be seen playing in any well-lit space in the city.

To cater to their gastronomic needs, the garrison city has quite a few destinations where ravenous youths can begin their fast with a sumptuous and traditional meal.

The food street in Kartarpura; the Kashmiri Bazaar and the Commercial Market in Satellite Town are the favourite destinations among Pindiwallahs.

According to those who frequent these spots, one can enjoy everything from Makhni Cholay to Nihari, Siri Paye, Chicken Qorma, Qeemay Walay Nan, Channay Patoray and Bal Walla Paratha.

“We come at Kartarpura to have Channay Patoray with sweet Lassi. Normally, we’d only eat this lavishly on weekends, but during Ramazan, every meal is special so we have it for Sehri,” said Muhammad Naeem, a resident of Chaklala Scheme-III.

Kartarpura, Commercial Market, Kashmiri Bazaar cater to Sehri-enthusiasts

Due to the unbearable heat in the daytime, most people prefer to stay indoors all day and get out at night, after breaking their fasts and offering Taraveeh prayers.

Mr Naeem said that the food street at Kartarpura starts filling up around 1:30am and said it was best to get one’s food early, because any later would mean getting caught in the rush that is inevitably caused by people coming to eat there at the last minute.

Mohsin Butt, a resident of Satellite Town, said that his family wanted to have Nihari for Sehri, especially on the weekends, to break the dull routine of having parathas with yogurt.

“Even though having a heavy meal for Sehri may cause a normal person discomfort during the day, we prefer to indulge ourselves on the weekend, especially on Fridays and Sundays,” he said.

If one does not feel up to mingling with the heaving crowds at Kartarpura, the relative quiet and culinary excellence of Kashmiri Bazaar is a suitable alternative. Here too, one can find traditional favourites such as Channay, Nihari and Parathas. A cup of piping hot tea or a tall glass of Lassi complete the perfect meal here.

Hassam Ahmed, a resident of Naya Mohallah who is also a night cricket enthusiast, told Dawn that when they play, the losing team has to pick up the tab for the winners.

“The food is reasonably priced and is not a burden on anyone’s pocket,” he said, adding that after three to four hours of exertion, a heavy Sehri is a well-deserved reward.

“Even though having spicy food early in the morning can give you heartburn, many people rest throughout the day and only get out when it is much cooler, around Asr time,” said Ahsan Qureshi, a visitor.

He said that everyone could get traditional anda paratha at home, but Nihari and Sri Paye were definitely a treat for those who would be fasting.

“After such a heavy meal, it is best to wash it down

with a cool glass of Lassi that neutralises all the spices,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2015

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