Namak Mandi’s Culinary Magic

News Desk

Peshawar: As the sun sets during Ramadan, the narrow streets of Peshawar’s historic Namak Mandi transform into a bustling destination for families and food enthusiasts, with the aroma of sizzling BBQ, Mattan Karahi and Chappli Kabab filling the air.

Located near the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Namak Mandi has long been associated with Peshawar’s culinary heritage. During Ramadan, however, the area takes on a new energy as large numbers of residents and visitors gather for Iftar, turning the traditional food hub into one of the city’s busiest evening spots.

From traditional charpoys outside small eateries, diners enjoy an array of local favourites, including Chappli Kabab, Mattan Karahi, Peshawari rice polao, paye, dampokh, lamb chops and BBQ. The meals are often followed by cups of aromatic Peshawari Qehwa or green tea.

For many visitors, dining at Namak Mandi has become a Ramadan tradition.

“Chappli Kabab and Mattan Karahi are my favourite dishes, and I cannot imagine my Iftar without them,” said Faraz Khan, a resident of Wapda Town, Nowshera, while visiting Namak Mandi with family and friends.

Faraz said he had been visiting the area during Ramadan since 2020, adding that he also regularly purchased food to take home.

“This year, I bought two kilograms of Chappli Kabab and three parcels of Peshawari rice polao for my sister,” he said.

The Ramadan rush is not limited to Namak Mandi. Food outlets across Peshawar are witnessing increased demand for traditional dishes, particularly Chappli Kabab, which remains one of the city’s most recognisable culinary exports.

Arif Ahmad, a Chappli Kabab vendor at Firdus Bazaar, said customer demand rises sharply around Iftar, with many people preferring to purchase large quantities for family gatherings.

“Customers usually order between two and five kilograms for takeaway. People want to enjoy the traditional taste at home with their families and friends,” he said.

According to Arif, his family has been associated with the Chappli Kabab trade for generations. His father, Jalil Ahmad, inherited the business from his father, Jumma Khan, in 1950. The family now operates several outlets in Peshawar and other locations, including Melody Food Street in Islamabad.

The popularity of Chappli Kabab has extended far beyond Peshawar. The dish is now served in major Pakistani cities as well as parts of Afghanistan and India, reflecting the wider regional influence of Peshawari cuisine.

In Peshawar, thousands of Chappli Kabab stalls and outlets operate across areas including Firdus, Bakhshu Bridge, Warsak Road, Ring Road, Nothia, Namak Mandi, Hastnagri, Ramadas, Faqirabad and Board Bazaar.

Beyond food, Namak Mandi also offers visitors a chance to reconnect with the city’s social and cultural traditions.

Fayyaz Khan, a retired schoolteacher, said he had been visiting the food street regularly for around five years and particularly enjoyed its Mattan Karahi and BBQ.

“The food has a distinctive taste and gives us an energy boost after a day of fasting,” he said, adding that the long preparation time also gave friends an opportunity to sit together, drink tea and catch up.

The growing popularity of Namak Mandi has also prompted visitors to call for greater investment in the area. Many believe the provincial government should formally develop it as a dedicated food street, along the lines of Lahore’s Gawal Mandi, with improved facilities for visitors and food businesses.

For now, however, the nightly crowds underline the enduring appeal of Peshawar’s traditional cuisine, as families continue to make Namak Mandi a part of their Ramadan routine.