Khajla and pheni — Ramazan delicacies

As the blessed month of Ramazan begins, the demand for traditional delicacies, particularly khajla and pheni, has surged across the metropolitan city. Confectionaries and bakeries in different neighbourhoods, including Liaquatabad, Ranchor Line, Burns Road, and Orangi Town, are working at full capacity to meet the growing demand.

The preparation of pheni and khajla, which have long been an integral part of sehri and iftar, involves time-consuming processes. Large ship-sized pans are used for frying pheni. Expert bakers from southern Punjab, including those from Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, Multan, and Lodhran, start arriving in the metropolis immediately after the 15th of Shaban to offer services at confectionaries and bakeries.

Khajla and pheni are not only popular for their unique taste but are also considered traditional gifts Ramazan delicacies. Their demand spikes during this time, with many confectioners introducing khajla and pheni in attractive packaging. These delicacies are commonly sent as gifts to friends and relatives, both locally and abroad.

The preparation of khajla and pheni follows a traditional method passed down through generations. Made from flour, ghee, salt, and water, the process begins with kneading the flour and salt with water. The dough is then shaped into small pieces, known as lacho and pere, and repeatedly kneaded with ghee. The final stage involves shaping the dough into loaves, which are deep-fried in large frying pans over high heat. Once fried to a golden brown, the loaves are removed and placed in rows to drain excess ghee. The finished khajla and pheni are then packed in 35 to 40 kg baskets and distributed to wholesale markets across the city.

While khajla and pheni are also imported from abroad, the locally produced varieties have a distinct appeal due to their traditional preparation methods. The price of these delicacies varies depending on the area, with a kilogram of khajla and pheni priced at Rs800 in older parts of the city, while some areas have set the price at Rs1,200 per kilogram.