As most city wars go, it all started with a simple tweet.
Usman Khawar, a lawyer from Lahore, used the microblogging site to say that between Lahore and Karachi the latter certainly has better food.
"Unpopular opinion:
As a Lahori, I’m ashamed to admit Karachi is the mecca of food in Pakistan. Lahore doesn’t have anything on Karachi. An ordinary biryani at Sindh High Court cafeteria is better than the best Biryanis of Lahore except perhaps Waqas Biryani- some say Waqas’s is not a Biryani,” tweeted Khawar.
Many Twitter users agreed with him and the debate was sparked.
Nadia Suleman, a senior broadcast journalist who resides in Islamabad said: “True, average thele wala make better biryani in Karachi as compare to what I have tried in the name of best in Islamabad :-/ so now I make my own when in mood… If you are not a good cook you are screwed food-wise in Islamabad.”
Another account that goes by the name CodeDaddy said: “Yaar I’m also a Lahori and I totally
agree with you. The real thing is Lahore failed to deliver a variety of tastes in desi cuisine and that’s very disappointing. Almost every other bbq joint has the same taste. Every karahi is cooked in either afghani or butt karahi style.”
Columnist Umair Javed also gave his two cents on the matter: “At least twitter pe iss opinion mein kuch controversial or unpopular nahi hay.”
(Translation: At least on Twitter, there’s nothing unpopular or controversial about this opinion)
But of course, like any good Lahore-Karachi debate, some vehemently disagreed.
Eesha was appalled by the thought that Karachi has good food: “I thought Karachi has lost its touch. Where do you get the best Biryani in khi anyway? Also, khi doesn’t have a decent Chinese restaurant. The food quality has deteriorated over the years. If I’m craving cheesy stuff I don’t even know where to get it from. Khi food sucks!!!”
Zahid Hussain, a chartered accountant said: Kon c Karachi foods?? Jinko roti, saada naan , khameri roti r garlic naan ka diff tk nai pata.
Jo zauq o shoq lahori food mein hai oska koe muqabla nai…”
(Translation: What Karachi foods? These people do not know the difference between roti, saada naan, Khamiri roti and garlic naan?
Lahore’s food is a taste apart)
Some were ready to concede defeat to Karachi when it came to Biryani but politely disagreed when it came to other food:
Wakkas Qureshi tweeted “If only Biryani then YES you are right but as if you compare Javen Nihari (Extra Red Color added) vs Waris Nihari then you are wrong, Some things are better in Karachi and Some better in Lahore…”
Saba Khan tried to make everyone get along and said: Karachi is a wonderful city with its Zama Zama and Khadda Market restaurants and Boat Basin food Outlets are real nice but comparing in an unpopular way does not make it popular. As Lahore has world-famous food, you go to MM Alam Road or Gawalmandi for pairay wali lasi.
Like any city war, there were of course those who were running off on a completely different tangent.
Syed Munib Hadi chipped in to say:
Even more unpopular opinion:
Peshawar food is richer, more diverse and indigenous than any other city in Pakistan. Unfortunately not many outside Peshawar know about most delicacies apart from the usual Chapli Kebab and Karahi.
When it comes to us, we believe that while every city has its speciality, in Lahore it’s naan cholay, it’s Chapli Kabab in Peshawar and in Quetta it’s dumpukht Karachi truly is the king of food. You may have just a Rs100 bill in your pocket and you’d still be able to find something that not only satisfies your appetite but also your tastebuds.
Tell us your opinion on the matter!
