Mouth-Watering Test of Chapel Kabab

Shazia Mehboob

Rawalpindi: The mouth-watering test of Qalandarabad’s local chapel Kabab not only entices tourists from Pakistan but also captures the attention of visitors from around the world.

In Qalandarabad, the fame of chapal kebabs from Al-Marjan market is spreading like wildfire. These savory delights, a local obsession, are now a must-try for visitors, both local and international, journeying towards the Karakoram Mountains.

Despite modest setups and limited facilities, the aroma alone draws in crowds, especially during the bustling summer tourist season.

Overseas Pakistanis even request these kebabs from relatives, showcasing their soaring demand. Bedu Café, a cornerstone in this kebab haven, has been dishing out these treats for over 45 years, keeping the legacy of Haji Muhammad Pervez (Bedu) alive.

Majid Ali, dubbed ‘professor’ for his education, and Dilwara Awan continue to honor their father’s name, witnessing a staggering turnover of 150 to 200 kilograms daily, with lunchtime sales alone reaching around 100 kilograms.

This culinary hotspot seems poised to become a favorite stop for tourists, a testament to the power of a delectable dish.

Qalandarabad, a small town about a three-hour drive from Islamabad along the Karakoram Highway, derives its name from Qalandar Baba, the pioneer who established the first pakora shop in the area. Home to a few hundred residents primarily conversant in Hindko, the local dialect, the town also commonly hears Pashto and Urdu spoken among its populace.