Lahori’ites indulge in late-night feasts as Eid approaches

After iftar, the streets come alive with the hustle and bustle of shoppers eager to whet their appetite

LAHORE: As Eidul Fitr approaches, citizens have taken to staying out late and indulging in late night feasts. After iftar and up until sehri, the streets of the provincial capital come alive with the hustle and bustle of shoppers eager to whet their appetite while completing last minute errands.

A large number of stalls have been set up in markets in Johar Town, Township, Iqbal Town, Anarkali and other areas. Clothes, shoes and colourful glass bangles have been displayed outside of stores in order to attract customers.

However, shopping and eating are two concepts that go hand in hand. As a result, bakeries and sweet shops are also bustling with crowds. As many as 309 Ramazan bazaars across the province have been converted into Eid bazaars from 21 Ramazan. The makeshift markets are facilitating the people by providing them daily use commodities at discounted rates. The departments concerned have been instructed to strictly monitor quality, quantity and prices of essential items.

On the other hand, hordes of people can also be spotted at roadside restaurants, enjoying the last few days of Ramazan.

Dumba karahi, one such roadside restaurant on Truck Adda Ravi Road, has become a hotspot during the last few days of Ramazan. The owner of the restaurant, Ilyas, says that the dish is prepared with 18 species and lamb fat. “But people are also eager to order sheep barbeque and Sulaimani qeema,” he states.

Instead of chairs, people can enjoy steaming hot dishes with naan and rotis straight from the tandoor on traditional charpoys.

Ilyas says that citizens come and handpick which part of the animal tickles their fancy and choose how it will be cooked. “All the food is cooked over a wood flame which enhances the taste to another level,” he claims.



In addition to the food, patrons are also given a musical show courtesy of local singers who will perform any song for a price.

After the main course has been consumed, citizens are presented with Peshawari kehwa and gurr, which not only aides in food digestion but also helps in staving off the post-dinner thirst.

The patrons expressed that the food is hygienic and cooked in front of their eyes. Further, the spot is surrounded by open roads which makes parking easier.

On the other hand, if you crave lassi and paratha, then you must head over to Mazang where people can be spotted indulging in several varieties of the fried dish.

Anda paratha, alu paratha, moli paratha and chicken paratha are some of the variations being served. In addition, lassi is guzzled by the gallon to keep the thirst at bay.

Citizens said that they usually avoid consuming parathas at sehri. However, these days they are busy completing their Eid shopping and do not have time to prepare food at home.

Anda channa and kofta channa are also being consumed in large amounts.

*Additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2019.