Wasim Akram weighs in on Karachi-Lahore food debate

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has shared his view on the long-running Karachi versus Lahore food debate, saying Lahore is known for its traditional dishes while Karachi stands out for the range of cuisines available because of its diverse population.

Akram made the remarks in a video posted on his official social media accounts, saying he considered himself well placed to comment because he has spent decades in both cities.

I have been watching the debate on social media, and it seems the Karachi versus Lahore battle has intensified.

Akram said.

Look, I spent 42 years in Lahore. I was born there, and I am a Lahori. But I have also been living in Karachi for the past 14 years, so I think I can settle this debate once and for all.

he added.

His comments came after politician Fawad Chaudhry argued that Lahore had the upper hand over Karachi when it came to food, pointing to the city’s culinary tradition and history.

Karachi's food is okay, but it lacks Lahore's pedigree. With food giants serving the same dish for over a century, Lahore's culinary heritage is in a league of its own. It's the history behind food that makes it so special.

Chaudhry wrote on X.

In another post, he further praised Lahore’s food culture and named several long-established eateries.

Respect your opinion but as I said Karachi food has literally no history, Lahore food giants are stories in itself. Waris, Jallendhar, Feeqa, Pajha, khan baba are windows to Indian history. Karachi scene is literally a child's play in front of Lahore culinary landscape.

he wrote.

Referring directly to those remarks, Akram questioned Chaudhry’s assessment of Karachi’s food and contrasted it with his own recent experience in Lahore during the closing stage of PSL 11.

A friend of mine, Chaudhry Fawad Sahib, also commented on Karachi food, saying 'Karachi food is okay'. Mr Chaudhry, in which Karachi have you been roaming? I have been living here for 14 years and was recently in Lahore for the PSL finals, so I thought I should revisit my old favourite places.

Akram said.

I went to try the famous chickpeas and traditional Lahori dishes in Gulberg and ordered food from well-known restaurants, but honestly, all I could taste was spice.

he added.

Akram said Lahore still had famous food landmarks and praised some of its best-known dishes, but maintained that Karachi offered a broader food experience because of the communities that live there.

What I have realised over the years is that Karachi offers incredible diversity in food. In Lahore, there are certainly iconic places such as Waris Nihari and Phajjay ke Paye, and those dishes are excellent.

he said.

However, Karachi is home to people from every community and ethnicity, whether Pashtun, Baloch, Punjabi or others, and that cultural mix is reflected in its food.

In Karachi, you can walk into one restaurant and find a wide variety of cuisines and flavours. That is what makes the city's food scene unique.

He also said he had noticed a change in Lahore’s food, describing it as much spicier than before, including at the well-known food street near the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, where commentators and visitors often eat.

One thing I noticed in Lahore is that even at the famous food street near the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, where commentators and visitors often dine, the food was overwhelmingly spicy.

Akram said.

We grew up eating food in Lahore, but now everything seems to revolve around excessive chillies and cream. I do not know where that trend has come from in Lahori cuisine.

Summing up his position, Akram said Lahore’s food remained good, but Karachi had the edge in variety.

So, if I have to conclude this debate, I would say Lahore’s food is good, but Karachi offers far greater variety.

he said, before adding jokingly:

Now people can come after me for saying this.