The Karachi Eat 2025 food festival, held at Beach View Park in Karachi, has once again attracted food lovers with a diverse array of international dishes. From Sicilian slow-cooked beef to Arabic Paratha, and Peshawar’s Chapli Kebabs, the event is offering a mouthwatering experience that brings global flavors to Pakistan.
A Global Culinary Journey in Karachi
The three-day event, which has been a staple in Karachi every January since 2014, is set to wrap up today, Sunday. This year, the festival features hundreds of eateries serving up various international cuisines. From the sizzling aroma of Chicken Tikka to the rich flavors of Mediterranean food, Karachi Eat 2025 is a celebration of diverse culinary traditions.
Chefs from countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Turkey, Romania, Malaysia, and France have traveled to Pakistan to showcase their food, bringing a true international flair to the festival, according to Ticket Wala, an event ticketing platform.
Bringing International Cuisine to Pakistan
Sarah Aziz, a food stall owner offering Sicilian cuisine, explained that her goal was to bring global food experiences to Pakistanis who may not have the opportunity to travel abroad. “We want to bring the flavors of places like Sicily, Portugal, and Malta to people who can’t go there,” she said. “Our aim is to make these international dishes accessible for everyone to enjoy.”
Aziz shared that her menu focuses on slow-cooked beef with lamb fat, paired with handmade pesto and garlic paste, designed to appeal to a broad audience in Pakistan. “I want to take my niche market cuisine and make it something more familiar for people here,” she added.
A Taste of the Middle East
For many visitors like Muhammad Ismail, 28, the festival provided a chance to indulge in favorite international dishes. Ismail, a banker, shared his excitement over enjoying authentic Arabic Paratha at the event. “I’ve had it in Saudi Arabia, but this one tastes just like the real thing, and it’s absolutely amazing,” he said.
Shaikh Ameen, owner of Arabi’s, a restaurant in Karachi specializing in Arabic cuisine, also noticed a growing interest in Middle Eastern food in Pakistan. “We serve authentic dishes like shawarma, mutabbaq, and kunafa here,” Ameen said. “There’s a strong demand, especially from Middle Eastern families who are familiar with these foods, and locals are also developing a taste for them.”
A Fun and Flavorful Experience
Festival-goers like Kashaf Noman, a textile designer in her 20s, shared their enthusiasm for the event. “It’s really well-organized, and there are so many more food options compared to other festivals. I’m having a great time,” Noman said.
She mentioned enjoying a variety of dishes, from fish gyozas to waffles, as well as trying a Mexican drink for the first time.
Karachi Eat 2025 continues to be a place where food lovers can explore and savor cuisines from around the world, making it an annual highlight for the people of Karachi.
Related topics: