The holy month of Ramazan has arrived. A month of Sehris , Iftars ,Tarawees where most of us make desperate efforts to make up for every sin we committed during the rest of the year.
For most of us, Ramadan is a holy month where you wake up early in the morning not just to fast but also to gobble down delicious mom made or Dawn’s ready to cook parathas , crispy crunchy khajla and pheni from United Bakery or Meethi doodh ki botal from Nagori milkshop . Although waking up early is never an easy task but when it comes with a deal of having halwa puri breakfast at Boat Basin or Buns Road, the offer becomes irresistible. Sehri at Boat Basin or Burns Road is the experience on its own. The pleasant air , sitting on wobbly chairs and tables , laughing hysterically , devouring sickeningly sweet halwa, oozing with oily puris , hogging as fast as one could , wanting to sweep off the last chana before the Azaan calls – is Ramazan for most of us!
Would Ramazan even feel like Ramazan if you don’t get a daily dose of spicy fruit chat , crispy potato pakoras , scrumptious samosa and Syrupy Jalebis at Iftaris ?
Apart from all the desi food chatkaras , Ramadan also comes with some awesome deals across Karachi. Zamzama, a place where much of Karachi's trendier restaurants, such as Okra , Cafe Aylanto, Gunsmoke, Arizona Grill, Fushai , Chatterbox and Aqua Lounge are located equally celebrates the spirit of Ramazan by offering excellent iftar and sehr deals . Could you begin to imagine a Ramazan without “All you could eat offer at Pizza Hut?” or those fabulous deals at NANDO’s? At least we can’t! We suggest a visit to these restaurants this Ramazan is a must. For a taste twist , one could enjoy Fushia ‘s Green Curry Prawn with Baby Eggplant & Sweet Basil Leaf or try Neco’s Moroccan Chicken with pasta in creamy sauce! For Desserts why not Mango carpaccio at Okra , Cake Alaska from HOBNOB café and yes Cake Ala Mode of Arizona Grill and lets not forget chocolate mud pie of studio café ! For cool refreshing drinks do try doodh and mewa ka sharbat at Blue Ginger or that Refresh Mint Drink from Nandos. Do skip the lal sherbet for a day (we definitely love those lal sherbets with lemon or milk punch) but maybe once or twice in Ramazan , treat yourself to a crazier lot of fresh drinks!
Apart from all the fancy dinners , we would suggest don’t let Ramazan leave unless you visit Karachi's new sea facing hangout place consisting of a mile-long strip of open-air street restaurants called Dou Dahriya. Favorites tend to include Sajjads, Olive café , Ambela , Afridi Inn and Hot bites. A place where almost all of Karachi's late and lazy citizens, irrespective of social or economic standing, wind up for a sheesha, spicy karahis and tantalizing BBQ !
Enjoy all the favours Ramazan oozes for you, do try some different and fun cuisines this year and be happy in whatever choices you make. A happy Ramazan to all !