Hub plans to celebrate food culture

Clock Tower to become centre for local cuisine

JARANWALA:

In a move to cater to the food-loving citizens, the metropolitan corporation is set to establish a dedicated food street, either in the iconic eight bazaars surrounding the Clock Tower intersection or in suburban areas such as Iqbal Stadium, D-Ground, and Susan Road in Madina Town.

Efforts are underway to find the most suitable location for this project, where a variety of local and cultural foods will be available, from traditional desi lassi to the cherished delicacies of the Sandal Bar region.

Commissioner and Administrator of the Metropolitan Corporation, Silwat Saeed, shared these plans while speaking with leading journalists.

She emphasised the corporation's focus on reviving Faisalabad's rich history and cultural heritage, as well as catering to the city's diverse culinary preferences.

"The food street will be a hub for locals and tourists alike," Saeed explained. "It will offer everything from traditional Lyallpuri dinners to the famous Faisalabadi lassi, ensuring that families feel safe and enjoy late-night outings." She mentioned that some of the city's best-known eateries, such as the famous "Jhanda Hotel Chai" and "Gamay De Daal," will be featured on the new street, providing a nostalgic dining experience for visitors.

Local body officials have been directed to identify the ideal location for the food street places that already attract a bustling crowd of commuters and visitors with a passion for good food.

"This initiative has been a long-standing demand from the residents of Faisalabad and will soon be fulfilled," Saeed added, promising a wide variety of dishes to satisfy the city's discerning food lovers. She went on to describe Faisalabad, formerly known as Lyallpur, as a city not only known for its exports but also for its rich culinary culture.

"People from all walks of life love this vibrant city due to its diversity in cuisine and its warm, hospitable people. Faisalabad is truly a haven for foodies," she said.

Saeed also pointed out that the new food street will showcase traditional Punjabi and Faisalabadi delicacies, such as chaat, pakoras, Bengali rasgullay, Jehangir Murgh Pulao, and the famous Pakistani lassi.

In addition to the food street, the Metropolitan Corporation has allocated Rs. 1.5 crore in the 2024-25 budget for the preservation and illumination of the historic Clock Tower intersection.

Work on this project is set to begin soon. Furthermore, hawker bazaars will be established along major roads, including Jhang Road, Sammundari Road, Satiana Road, Jaranwala Road, and Sargodha Road, in an effort to control traffic congestion and streamline pedestrian flow.