Multan Food Festival attracts large numbers of visitors

Gala provides an opportunity for families to spend some quality time

MULTAN: Multan Food Festival, an event filled with aroma and festivity, was organised at Buch Villas in the city on Tuesday. At least 20 food outlets and restaurants participated in the event.

Event organiser Khwaja Jawad told The Express Tribune that the aim of organising the festival was to bring chains of food production units under one roof so families could enjoy a variety of cuisines.

“There are many hard-working women in our society and they lack sufficient means to practice their skills. This food festival provides an opportunity for women to showcase their skills outside the kitchen.”

Co-organiser Khwaja Anees said that people of Multan enjoyed the festival and the hosts would keep organising such events in future. “Pakistani people, especially women, can create magic with their hands when it comes to cooking. We have provided a platform to all and sundry to showcase their talents of cooking and baking.”

Asia Bibi, a housewife who participated in the event, told The Express Tribune, “I am fond of cooking and have prepared various types of dishes at the festival. I only cooked those dishes which are liked by my family. However, I got an excellent response from people at the festival.”

Meanwhile, a large number of chefs also participated in the event and showcased their talent. Among them were young girls and boys, who wanted to pursue careers in the food industry. They appreciated the idea of organising the festival.

The participants had established various food stalls at the festival and served mouth-watering dishes to the visitors.

One of the stalls was set up by three sisters who had prepared desserts, cakes, pies and tarts. Zahra Shah, the leader of a group, said she and her sisters tried to introduce innovative ideas in baking and received a huge response from the people of Multan.

Besides, a special tea stall was also set up by three friends. Murtaza, who was leading the group, said, “We used to experiment and prepare various kinds of tea at university hostels and now we are serving special tea. The people of Multan appreciated our efforts and liked the tea.”

Similarly, stalls were also organised by Shaukat Khanum, Life Lab and society for special persons. Families from Multan and adjoining cities visited the festival in large numbers.  Special music arrangements were made to entertain the families.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2018.