Mercury drop: Raindrops keep falling on my halwa

As heavens burst and citizens enjoy simple pleasures of life, street food sales shoot up

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad is a treat for the eyes after a spell of rain. Everything starts looking fresh. The hills look beautiful, and people instantly seem to become happier. Every time it rains, it feels like the city just got a dose of positive energy. What is even more beautiful about the rain is that it reminds citizens of the simple pleasures of life — ones that need not put a dent in the pocket — be it a cup of tea from a roadside stall, a samosa from the local vendor, or a bowl of delicious ras malai.

Tuesday and Wednesday saw huge crowds lining up outside eateries in the city. A representative at a bakery in Sector F-10 told The Express Tribune that people of all ages come out, even during off-peak hours, to get samosas and ras malai, especially when it rains.

“The most beautiful thing about rain is that everyone, rich or poor, can enjoy it,” said Hamza, a resident of the area who was waiting in a line to get samosas.  It is heartening to see people of all socioeconomic classes enjoying the same snacks. Such is the beauty of rain in Islamabad, he said.

Aslam, a driver, was getting fresh pakoras from a vendor in Aabpara. He told The Express Tribune that the rain makes him forget about his worries. “It’s funny how a simple cup of tea and a few pakoras in the rain can make the day feel so good. Rs20 is all you need to fill stomach and enjoy the weather on a rainy day,” he said.

Addan, a student of National University of Sciences and Technology, said rain takes him and his friends back to basics. “Even though we usually enjoy meals at restaurants, when it rains, we head to Peshawar Morr and get some piping hot halwa and puris for breakfast. Nothing beats that,” he said.

There is no denying that the moment it rains, street food sales shoot up. People buy chaat and samosas to take home for their families or head out after work with their colleagues to enjoy it.

However, it is not just street food vendors that get windfall business when it rains. Restaurants also have high sales. Amjad Abbasi, the manager of a restaurant in Kohsar Market, told The Express Tribune that the place specially prepares to welcome more customers if it is raining. “Usually, we have fewer people coming in on weekdays, but if it is raining, people start coming out to enjoy a nice dinner with family or friends. People who come usually request outdoor seating, but it is hard to accommodate all of them because of limited seats,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2015.