New Kartarpura Food Street: A Revitalized Dining Experience in Rawalpindi
The New Kartarpura Food Street in Rawalpindi opens up as a spacious and family-friendly dining alternative to the congested Kartarpura Street. Inspired by Dubai’s food festivals, the market hosts diverse vendors offering traditional and innovative dishes, particularly popular during Ramadan. Positive feedback from visitors indicates the food street meets community needs for a welcoming dining environment.
The newly opened New Kartarpura Food Street at Chandni Chowk is attracting visitors with its unique ambiance, featuring vendors in Middle Eastern attire, particularly engaged in spinning lassi in large pots. This food street, housing approximately 30 eateries, offers a spacious, family-friendly alternative to Rawalpindi’s bustling Kartarpura Street, which has historically been a commercial hub since the 19th century.
Kartarpura is known for its famous dishes like nihari, a beef or mutton stew, and siri paye, a breakfast delicacy made from cow or goat parts. The traditional yogurt-based drink, lassi, remains a staple, especially during Ramadan, making its presence essential with vendors arriving from Lahore and Gujranwala.
This year, a significant number of food stalls have relocated to the New Kartarpura Food Street to alleviate congestion in the old area. Established on Ramadan’s first day, the food street is poised to continue beyond the holy month. Abdul Latif Rashid from Kala Khan Nihari House noted the venue fosters family-friendly dining experiences, resulting in positive public response.
Raja Usama, the organizer, remarked that the concept for the food street was influenced by similar food festivals in Dubai. He highlighted the initiative’s role in supporting small businesses and benefiting families with variety and comfort.
The new food street features diverse offerings, including seven flavors of lassi at Lahore 0 Kilometer, attracting patrons from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Muhammad Hamza, a vendor, expressed admiration for Arab culture and attire, wishing to share this respect in Saudi Arabia.
Visitors have identified the New Kartarpura Food Street as a welcoming alternative to overcrowded Kartarpura. Mahnoor Kareem, a language instructor, noted that the new venue is less crowded and family-friendly, praising its offerings of paye and lassi.
Kanwal Zahra, a vendor, shares traditional cuisine, including roti, jaggery tea, and palak paneer. Along with traditional items, Meena Nabeel offers innovative dumplings, initially met with skepticism but now gaining popularity as customers return, praising their flavors and sauces.
The New Kartarpura Food Street is successfully addressing overcrowding and traffic issues that plagued the old Kartarpura Street, providing a family-friendly atmosphere. Inspired by food festivals in Dubai, it features a diverse array of food offerings, which has garnered positive reception among visitors and vendors alike. Traditional and innovative culinary options enrich this vibrant food scene, attracting patrons from various locations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
