Diversity of delights: Scrumptious British cuisines fill Islamabad residents’ appetite

Two-day British food festival features delectable dishes, from stable fish and chips to bread pudding

ISLAMABAD: Food enthusiasts of the capital devoured a wealth of international cuisine at the two-day British Food Festival that kicked off at Marriott Hotel on Friday evening.

Launched by the British High Commission, in collaboration with the Marriott Group of Hotels, the festival brought together an experienced chef and two musicians from Britain to offer a slice of diverse British culture. The one-of-its-kind affair served a plethora of British dishes, accentuated by live fusion music from the island in an ambient and laidback setting.

Christopher Ireland, executive head chef from the Marriott Leeds, whipped up some delicious British recipes for the occasion. The menu comprised around 50 hot dishes, 25 desserts and a wide selection of salads, soups and appetisers to choose from. The elaborate presentation and subtle taste made for an appetising experience.



Having spent three days in Karachi and two in Islamabad to prepare for the festival, Ireland said he was pleased with the final outcome. “I’ve had an absolutely fantastic response and this was a wonderful opportunity to showcase British food,” he said. From among the items on the menu, he said his forte was the bread and butter pudding, of which there is a variation available in Pakistan as well. The festival encompassed a diversity of dishes from the different counties and regions of Britain. “I think we have some of the best cheeses in the UK, even better than the ones you find in France,” he said.

From the main course, the Turkey Ham Wrapped in Stuffed Chicken Breast was a delightful dish, with distinct understated flavour and a smooth texture. But what really stood out from the long list of items were the authentic fish and chips, served with fresh tartar sauce. Along the side, the chef’s special warm asparagus salad with poached eggs and Hallandaisa sauce was not to be outdone. The sweet tooth was spoilt for choice when it came to dessert. From the traditional puddings to an assortment of cakes to pies, macarons and chocolate fondue, there was a diversity of delights.

Uplifting the ambience with their soft melody, musicians Simon Thacker on guitar and Savar Sabri on tabla added their own flair to the evening.

The elaborate presentation and subtle taste of foreign delicacies made for an appetising experience. PHOTO: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

Thacker is a soloist and composer and his music effortlessly transcends boundaries, genres and continents. Sabri, who comes from a musical lineage dating back 10 generations, is a soloist and also works with many Indian classical vocalists, instrumentalists and kathak dancers. The duo performed three-20 minute classical pieces in succession, taking a final bow at a revamped version of the popular song “Dil Dil Pakistan” which the local audience really warmed up to.

“It has been a delightful evening of two things I enjoy the most — good food and soothing music,” said Amna Khan. “I don’t think I’ve had better Yorkshire Pudding anywhere else,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2015.