People often travel around the globe to explore different cuisines. Now exploring the world has become tough. The pandemic has confined us within our homes and restricted us from travelling the world. What if we tell you that you don’t have to get on a plane to enjoy the pleasure of global cuisines in their light and nutritious state? There are a multitude of home businesses hidden away in the twin cities of Pakistan, which fuse both flavour and quality by specialising in cuisines from around the world. Here are our top 7 picks for local home kitchens based in Islamabad and Rawalpindi which cook different cuisines from around the world:
1. Yemeni Shawarmas by The Yemeni Shawarma
Yemeni Shawarmas (@the_yemenishawarmas) is run by an engineer with a passion for cooking. The founder discovered Yemeni flavours through his Arab friends while studying abroad. He knew he needed to introduce Islamabadis to authentic Yemeni Shawarmas. They serve shawarmas, shawarma plates, shawarma platters and mandi. The prices range from Rs. 350 to Rs. 1,400. They try to preserve authenticity by either making everything by hand or by importing condiments. Try the shawarmas out by ordering them here!
2. Mexican Tacos by Tacostan
Tacostan (@_tacostan) brings a traditional Mexican dish consisting of small hand-sized corn or wheat tortilla topped with a filling to Islamabad. Their menu includes veggie tacos, chicken tacos, beef tacos, cheeto tacos and protein bowls. The prices vary between Rs. 450 to Rs. 600. Customers can also choose add-ons such as sour cream dip, siracha mayo, olives or beans for an extra Rs. 50 each. Get tacos now here!
3. Gujrati food by Sambhara
Sambhara’s (@sambharaaa) love for Gujrati cuisine comes from the founder’s pre-partition Gujrati background. The authentic recipe has been descended down from generations. Their menu includes khatta bateyta (gujarati style sour and spicy diced potatoes with the topping of fresh coriander), dhokla with chutney, gujrati chicken karahi, sambhara and much more. The prices depend on the type of meal but usually ranges within Rs. 1,000. Order now here!
4. Burmese Khow Suey by Food Therapy by Vaneeza
Khow Suey is a Burmese dish that literally means coconut milk in noodles. Food therapy by Vaneeza (@foodtherapybyvaneeza) proudly presents the Memoni version of this Burmese delight. They make Khow Suey in 4 types of servings: single, small, medium and large (serves 6-7 people). Price starts from Rs. 800 and goes till Rs. 5,000. Click here to order!
5. Japanese sushi by Sushi by Asma
Sushi by Asma (@sushi_by_asma) is run by Asma, an Indonesian living in Islamabad with a strong love for sushi. As much as she adored sushi, she understands that people in Pakistan might not be comfortable eating raw fish thus she serves fully cooked sushi either in steamed or fried form. The menu includes original California Maki (steamed) for Rs. 700 and Crispy California Maki (fried) for Rs. 800. Each serving comes with soy sauce. Visit their profile here!
6. Indonesian Cuisine by D_Andalas
D_Andalas (@d_andalas) is run by an Indonesian, Ilham Warisman, residing in Islamabad. If you want to explore authentic Indonesian food, this place should be your go-to. They try to present a menu that is common in Indonesia. The most popular item on their menu is Beef Rendang. They add a lot of traditional spices which are brought directly from Indonesia. Other items include Bihun Goreng, Gulai Ayam, Sate Padang and much more. Their prices are also very economical and range between Rs.350 to Rs.450.
Order here!
7. Pan-Asian food by Wok My Way
Who doesn’t love good pan-asian food? Based upon local reviews Wok My Way (@wokmyway) is a must-try for authentic and flavourful pan-asian cuisine. They try to keep the flavour and texture of the noodle as authentic as possible while making Pad Thai. Other items on their menu include dynamite prawns, soups, chop suey and much more. The prices range between Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,195. Click here to order!
