Islamabad’s food scene booms with iftar buffets

Several food outlets in the capital city are offering mouth-watering iftar menus and buffets ranging from Rs2,000 to Rs6,000 per head during the holy month of Ramazan.

The majority of families prefer breaking fast at home. However, most of the fast food chains attempt to attract customers during Ramazan by offering special iftar buffets with special discounts.

The trend of buffet iftar has also created an environment of competition among popular food outlets in the capital city. Several food outlets claimed that they slashed their prices, especially during the holy month of Ramazan. The fast food outlets, which have delivery service year-round, offer deliveries during Ramazan from 6pm to dawn without any additional charges.

Isma Khan, a resident of F-6, said she loves to have iftar outside with the family once a week, however, she said her family always prefer fresh and home-cooked food to avoid health complications. “I prefer the food I cook myself. No way will there be fast food unless the kids are insisting,” she added.

“My kids and I avoid fast food during Ramazan as the meal because it is full of fat and that is not good at all for our health,” said another resident of F-10, Syed Farhan, adding that “I don’t prefer iftar outside unless there is a family gathering”.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2024.