The making of ‘khara’ biscuits

Workers prepare “khara” biscuits at the Gulshan Bakery in Hyderabad’s Pathan Colony. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Around 10 workers from different parts of rural Sindh, including Sehwan, Larkana and Dadu, work at the Bakery, which was established more than 30 years ago. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

A young worker throws flour on the dough and starts to thin it out with a rolling pin so it is ready to be cut out. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Almost 12 types of biscuits are made at the Gulshan Bakery which are distributed in Hyderabad and the surrounding cities. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

The savoury item is usually accompanied by tea and is popular as breakfast. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Another worker first makes straight lines with the help of a wooden scale and cuts the flattened dough in strips to later cut them at an angle to get a diamond shape for the biscuits. The unbaked treats are then placed in a baking tray, 12 in each, to be sent of to the kiln. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Worker cuts the flattened dough in strips at an angle to get a diamond shape for the biscuits. The unbaked treats are then placed in a baking tray, 12 in each, to be sent of to the kiln. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

The baker then takes charge and starts placing the baking trays into the kiln and waits for them to bake till they are golden brown. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

The trays are then taken out and stacked next to a wall to cool off. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

A young boy then takes them out of the baking tray and transfers them on to another one to sell them off to customers. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Other biscuits that are made by the Gulshan Bakery are stacked on the shelf for customers to buy. PHOTO: AYESHA MIR/EXPRESS

Workers prepare “khara” biscuits, a popular breakfast item, at the Gulshan Bakery in Hyderabad’s Pathan Colony.

Reader Comments (9)

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Dasmir

Sep 18, 2012 - 5:52PM

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Yummmm………………

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Chanda Mamu

Sep 18, 2012 - 6:24PM

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This is so much better than lame fashion shows

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BaBa Blacksheep

Sep 18, 2012 - 9:31PM

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Working in around 40 degrees do you still like to know how these biscuits become “Khara”:D

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Glenn Ryall

Sep 19, 2012 - 12:44PM

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Love them!!!

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Mohammad

Sep 19, 2012 - 1:13PM

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Yummmmm……. did you see the flies? But yes much better than lame fashion shows and store openings..

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Asad

Sep 19, 2012 - 5:02PM

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They tasted good,but after seeing the conditions in which they are made they do not seem to be hygenic to eat!

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Yasir

Sep 22, 2012 - 12:01AM

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interestingly they call it ” chai wale samose” not khara biscuits,

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far

Sep 22, 2012 - 1:18PM

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there is place in khara dar karachi it is probably 40 years old ,they serve khara biscuit,they still retain the same yummy taste and they are treat to eat!

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Anisa

Oct 22, 2012 - 8:04PM

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I know the taste , it is one of the best. But I am sorry to say there are so many flies on the rolled dough. I wish there was some consideration for cleanliness of the surrounding and workers.
Besides who knows what type of “Ghee” they use. Because in Karachi a Ghee factory was discovered that would use almost anything to make Ghee. Even dead, rotten and Haram animals. And this Ghee is provided to the catering and baker people. yuk!!!
who would like to eat these “Kharas” except the most needy and distressed.
Only if our people could become a true Muslim and observe honesty and cleanliness as the hadith says cleanliness is half of the faith. Amen

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