Soup stalls serve up warmth, tradition

ISLAMABAD:

Chicken corn soup has cemented its place as a winter staple in the capital, bringing warmth and joy to residents while offering an affordable luxury. Among the most renowned places are Melody Food Park at G-6 and one prominent soup spot in G-9 Markaz, where customers gather to enjoy this seasonal favourite.

At Melody Food Park, Ahsan Haideri, a veteran shopkeeper, has been running a prominent soup stall for over three decades. "It's been thirty years, and most families visit us to enjoy our soup in this cool weather," he shared proudly.

Haideri's stall offers two options: chicken corn soup without egg for Rs150 per serving and with egg for Rs200. "The rates are affordable and within reach of all segments of society," he added, noting, "The egg-enhanced variant is the crowd favourite."

"Ensuring quality and hygiene was a priority for Haideri and that is the reason people prefer our stall. The soup business is especially profitable in winter, and I recommend others to consider starting this business during the colder months," he advised. However, he urged the relevant authorities to provide relief on stall rents amidst rising inflation.

Kashif, a frequent visitor to Melody Food Street, described his fondness for the soup saying, "In cold weather, I prefer chicken corn soup with egg. It's delicious and affordable compared to other food options, making it accessible to all classes of society."

"I often take away parcels for my family, they all like the taste of my favourite place," he added. In G-9 Markaz, Osama Iqbal manages a family-run business which is in operation for over 35 years. "Our soup spot is a favourite among all age groups," he said. "We ensure quality and hygiene at controlled rates, which has helped us build a loyal customer base," he added.