The princely state of Hyderabad Deccan could not become a part of Pakistan in 1947 but its Indo-Arabian cuisines have made inroads into the country’s culinary delights. And for that reason the credit goes to the denizens of a locality established opposite the Central Jail.

Welcome to Karachi’s little Hyderabad, where the faithful come for a hearty Iftar and are induced to stay on for dinner. “For many years we have been coming here for Iftar and dinner,” remarked Dr Ali whose family was sitting in his car.

And Dr Ali is not alone. It has become a ritual for many to visit Hyderabad Colony’s unofficial food court, opposite the Central Jail, during Ramazan. You need to be there before Asr prayers to witness people dropping by to grab delicacies of their choice, on their way to different parts of the city from work.

Farooq, a roadside vendor selling bun-kababs on Burnes Road, is not thrilled by the idea that his area would become an officially-recognised food street and believes it could benefit shopkeepers more than the thelaywalas.

“I have been here for the past two decades and never ran short of customers. The food street might help the expensive restaurants and shops to catch new clientèle for their costlier stuffs,” Farooq says.

He is one of many vendors having hot sale of their food varieties they offer on cheap prices on main Burnes Road and the congested streets cutting through this artery that has been a famous spot for gourmets for decades now.

ONE of Huddersfield’s newest restaurants, Saim’s, is rapidly becoming a local favorite with those who like to eat out.

Saim’s of 113 Bradford Road, Huddersfield, owned by Abdul Hafiz, is a haven of modern contemporary styling which includes a full length glass frontage and a mezzanine floor for upstairs dining. Altogether, over two floors, the restaurant can seat 70 diners.

Walk in to Saim’s, which also offers a takeaway service, and you’ll be immediately struck by the clean simple lines of its decor which includes glass tables, chrome rails, an impressive staircase and stunning birchwood chairs. Rest assured the food is as good as the decor.

The Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan may have met in Delhi for diplomatic talks to improve bilateral relations, but in Lucknow efforts of another kind are on to improve ties between the two countries.

The city is hosting a Pakistani food festival—Zaika-e-Pakistan — and on the platter are Peshawar’s famour Chappali Kebabs.

“We are preparing Chappali Kebab. These are made from mutton and are usually bigger in size. They are very popular and a real favourite with people,” said Mehboob A Khan, executive chef, Hotel Avari, Lahore.

Food delight

Shrine to Seafood

They say, “What’s in a name?” but if the name of this new eateries doesn’t alert you to the fact that this is a veritable shrine to seafood, the interior will. The décor is dominated by shades of blue, artfully draped fishing nets, marine life-inspired motifs and rustic-looking fisherman hut-style furniture. A look at the menu confirms it – this place is truly 100 percent seafood. Chicken/mean-lovers: you have been warned!