In Karachi, the industrial and financial hub of Pakistan, a culinary revolution has taken place, establishing the city as a haven for food enthusiasts. The latest craze among the diverse population of Karachi is the growing fondness for authentic Indian vegetarian delicacies like ‘soyabean aloo biryani’, ‘aloo tikkis’, ‘vada pav’, ‘masala dosa’, and ‘dhokla’.
Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, offers an array of dining options that cater to every palate and budget, ranging from high-end European and Italian cuisine to budget-friendly Chinese fare and local favorites like ‘bun kabab’. Recently, there has been a surge in the popularity of “pure vegetarian” dishes, drawing a new wave of food lovers.
Mahesh Kumar, the proprietor of Maharaj Karamchand Vegetarian Foods Inn located within the historical Narayan compound on M.A. Jinnah Road, has witnessed a surge in business due to the city’s growing appetite for vegetarian fare. The establishment, once a hub for communal living among Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, now stands as a popular haunt for lawyers and visitors frequenting the nearby city courts and commercial establishments.
Kumar’s offerings, including the famed ‘soyabean aloo biryani’, ‘aloo tikkis’, ‘paneer karahi’, and mixed vegetables, attract a bustling lunchtime crowd with many opting for takeaways and deliveries. The restaurant, founded by Kumar’s father in 1960, stands out for its use of homemade spices, fresh produce, and quality oils in crafting delectable dishes.
Beyond the Narayan compound, entrepreneurial women from Hindu, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds have also ventured into the culinary scene, setting up stalls that specialize in refined Indian vegetarian delights such as ‘pav bhaji’, ‘vada pav’, ‘masala dosa’, and ‘dhokla’, which have quickly gained popularity across different parts of Karachi.
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