Kartarpura Food Street

By Rida Hussain

Kartarpura, one of the oldest food streets in downtown Rawalpindi, hosts an influx of visitors that throng the market for sumptuous food throughout the week. Long queues of people outside the eateries in the narrow street of Kartarpura are a regular sight with sellers speeding up to serve and pack the food to meet a large number of orders. Food Street comes in full swing at night.

Rawalpindi is a small city in the Potwar plateau near Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad. Hence, these cities are also called the ‘twin cities. It is among the top-rated food hotspots in Pakistan, having multiple Food Streets for the locals and tourists. The city has several Food Streets including the one at Saddar and another one at Bhabra Bazaar. But, the historic Kartarpura Food Street tops the game and is the most cherished dine-out place for the locals.

Crowd increases manifold on weekends, when people from surrounding cities and areas like Taxila, Murree, Hasanabdal, and Gujjar Khan also come here to enjoy their favorite dishes. Residents of Rawalpindi believe Kartarpura is a jewel for the city that multiplies its cultural and religious significance.

The food street offers a plethora of traditional beverages and cuisines like Nihari, a traditional dish of slow-cooked meat, Payee, Qeema Naan, Tikka, and Lassi at very affordable and reasonable rates. A twokilometer-long Food Street is adorned with food stalls on both sides and the aroma of savory dishes grips the atmosphere at Kartarpura.

However, the street specializes in traditional breakfast. It is advised to come to Kartarpura in the early morning if one wishes to have a meal in a comparatively less crowded environment.

History of Kartarpura

Kartarpura is said to be one of the oldest business centers in the city. It is a Food Street that dates back to prepartition time. The area was once the residence of the Sikh community- who developed much of the Rawalpindi and surrounding areas under the Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh. Kartarpura was once the key business district of that time.

The most famous food outlet of Kartarpura is ‘Kala Khan Nihari’ which has been offering tasty Nihari since 1947.

Visitors believe food street has still retained its traditionality. Many vendors prefer to prepare Lassi with a traditional and an old method over the use of mechanized blenders. Some shopkeepers donned the look of the Mughal court attendant with a big mustache, beard, and wearing colorful turbans.

What makes Kartarpura Food Street distinct?

The packed Food Street is not about the elegant ambiance or excellent customer service but it is about the food and the taste. Waiters here do not set the table for the customers but the customers have to grab a table and chair for themselves. Visitors say other food streets may offer better seating and a less crowded environment but the chefs here prepare the dishes according to the taste of the locals, which gives Kartarpura an edge over other places. they start preparing for sehri soon after Iftar. Hoteliers say all the food is sold out before the time of Sehri because people also place takeout orders.

Usually, after 11 pm at night, Food Street hardly has any place left to sit in any one of the restaurants but even that does not deter the visitors. Parking is also a challenge but food lovers do not mind parking their cars on nearby streets. One can only guess if this is the love for food or Kartarpura.

Many reasons to visit Kartarpura

Kartarpura Food Street bustles in Ramzan at Sehri and Iftar times. Food Street brims with buyers standing in long queues two to three hours before to get their order on time. Rush peaks at 1.00 am during Ramzan. Waiters say

On the freezing and cold nights of winter, the food street is once again the favorite spot for foodies. The hot food served at the market is a perfect shield against chilling winters in Rawalpindi.

Beautification of the Food Street

The project for the beautification of Kartarpura Food Street was launched in 2019 owing to the increasing number of visitors visiting the site. Parks and Horticulture Authority had outlined plans to upgrade the busiest Food Street of Rawalpindi.

The projects included the beautification of the buildings in the street and the creation of a large parking area in the vicinity to facilitate the visitors parking their vehicles with ease. The upgrade plans were being implemented to attract more visitors and residents of the twin cities.