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Cuisine

Subgroup: 

Cuisine

The   Cuisine Subgroup organises regular programmes ranging from demonstrations and tastings to full   presentations and meals. Themes and subjects vary, from examining national   cuisine by region to tours of international gastronomy, including different   continents and styles of food preparation and presentation. The ingredients   are regularly studied for their health, well-being and medicinal properties   and the origins and evolution of dishes is often a topic of great interest.The   group congregates at a variety of forums, from peoples homes to restaurants   and other outside venues.

Coordinator: Nabeela Aijaz

Co-coordinator: Fozia Memon

Subgroup Programmes: 

Cuisine - "DOSA" DELIGHTS!!!!

Cuisine - "DOSA" DELIGHTS!!!!

Saturday, 13 December 2025

If you havent tried a 'Dosa'...this is your opportunity!

Initially the 'dosa' - a thin, crispy South Indian and Sri Lankan crepe or pancake delicacy (now a univeral favourite, particularly in Pakistan) is made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram lentils). A savory dish it can be served plain or stuffed with fillings like spiced potatoes (Masala Dosa). It is traditionally accompanied by chutneys and sambar (a lentil soup).

You will indulge in:

  • 6 types of delicious Dosa’s along with 6 Chutneys
  • Bun Kabab Karachi Style
  • Special Dahi Barae
  • Halwa Poorie
  • Chanae & Aaloo ke Tarkari & Achaar
  • And wind it up with Kashmiri Tea!

Presenters

Noorain Khalid & Syed Khalid Dastgir started the now famous "Noor's Kitchen" in 2015, initially with one helper and a second hand freezer. Their customers loved the taste , so they decided to take a step forward and introduced authentic dosa in Islamabad at farmers market, and needless to say, it was a super hit! Eventually they opened up a restaurant in 2017 and serve different types of dosas along with halwa poori, nihari, Karachi style bun kababs and so much more!
Not to be missed!

Cuisine -  GILGIT-   BALTISTAN /HUNZAI DELICACIES!

Cuisine - GILGIT- BALTISTAN /HUNZAI DELICACIES!

Saturday, 15 November 2025

Please Note: This is instead of the original Thai cuisine programme- postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

Ever wondered how this special cuisine is different from the food in the Plains? This is your opportunity to find out!

The mesmerizing Hunza Valley sits in the far north of Gilgit Baltistan, a mountainous territory of Pakistan filled with historical places and stunning scenery. The people of Hunza have their own unique traditions, languages, and cuisines- their food in particular is rich in flavor and variety, and it’s totally different from anything you can find in other parts of the country!

Some unique dishes that you will get to taste!

· Dou-Do soup with Mamtu: Noodle soup with dumplings

· Sharbat: With its own unique twist- a wheat and meat dish for special occasions

· Hasburush shapik: Handmade ‘roti’ (bread) filled with cheese/ yoghurt served with almond oil

· A variety of vegetables: presented in a special local style,

· Raita ( a special yoghurt concoction) and salads

· Dirram Phitti: A dessert made by making dough of wheat-flour and baking it over an open fire or an oven, it is naturally sweet without any use of sugar!


Cuisine -A MEDITERRANEAN  MEDLEY!

Cuisine -A MEDITERRANEAN MEDLEY!

Saturday, 11 October 2025

Join us on a journey through the Mediterranean known for its hospitality and delicious cuisine !

Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the diverse cooking styles and foods from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by an emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and fish. Key ingredients include fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and lean proteins, with a moderate intake of dairy, poultry, and limited amounts of red meat. This approach to eating is celebrated for its natural flavors, health benefits, and balanced, plant-focused recipes.

With its regional diversity the cuisine spans countries like Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, and North African nations such as Morocco and Egypt.

You will get an opportunity to taste:

  • Harira soup : Morocco,
  • Spinach spaghetti ,tzatziki cucumber & yoghurt sauce :Greece,
  • Chicken francese:France
  • Eggplant cannelloni : Italy
  • Paella rice with sea food : Spain
  • Hummus & Falafel : Lebanon
  • Mediterranean salad with legumes and beans, olive bread, baklava : Turkeyie.

Cuisine - 'WAZWAN'- KASHMIRI CULINARY ARTISTRY!

Cuisine - 'WAZWAN'- KASHMIRI CULINARY ARTISTRY!

Saturday, 12 April 2025

Self Drive/travel in convoy.

Kashmir is known as 'Paradise on earth' for its natural habitats and beautiful lakes. Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey to this picturesque valley. This gastronomic extravaganza will celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of the special cuisine, offering a delightful experience for food enthusiasts. Let your taste buds be captivated by the aromatic spices, rich gravies, and delightful sweets as you experience the essence of Kashmiri culinary artistry.

The deliciously prepared menu will be presented in a Kashmiri house setting with its unique wooden furniture and antique wares.

Presenter: Anjum N Reshi is a talented Kashmiri resident in Islamabad and has promoted Kashmiri culture including its cuisine, wood carving and intricate embroidered shawls in various national programmes and TV shows.

 

 

Cuisine -IN PREPARATION: THE SPECIAL RAMZAN/ RAMADAN DELICACIES!

Cuisine -IN PREPARATION: THE SPECIAL RAMZAN/ RAMADAN DELICACIES!

Saturday, 15 February 2025

In preparation for the Islamic holy month of Ramzan/Ramadan we will be introduced to the very special menu for Sehri (Sunrise: begining of day fast) & Iftar (Sunset:end of fast). Most dishes can be served both times.
The menu will include:
Starters: Dates, Dhahi Bhale, Bhel Puri, Aaloo Piyaz Pakoray, Aaloo Cholay, Samosas;

Main: Special Bhori Fried Chicken , Lagan Seekh, Chicken Biryani, Khichra Haleem and different types of 'chatni’'

Desserts & Drinks: Daal Halwa. Saboodana Special, Gur Pani Jasmine sherbats.
In addition to the above , there will be a demonstration of a healthy pancake with vegetables & also a granola bar full of nuts for energy!

Cuisine: THE PAKISTANI 'NASHTA'

Cuisine: THE PAKISTANI 'NASHTA'

Saturday, 25 January 2025

Pakistani cuisine can be characterized as a blend of regional cooking styles and flavours from across South, Central and West Asia. It also maintains certain Mughal influences within its recipes and cooking techniques. It’s ethnic and cultural diversity, diverse climates, geographical environments, and availability of different produce lead to diverse regional cuisines.

Ever wondered what a traditional Pakistani breakfast/brunch is like? Join us for this very special food tasting foray in the hospitable ambiance of a private home!

The mouth watering menu will include:

  • Qeema (a special dish of minced meat)
  • Nihari ( the perfect breakfast beef meat concoction for wintry days )
  • ‘Pakistani’ version of omelettes served with different Parathas ( a layered flatbread exclusive to the Subcontinent-with different fillings: radish/ potato etc.)
  • Poori also spelled as Puri (Small portions of unleavened dough is rolled to small discs and deep fried in hot oil. A perfectly made puri puffs as soon as it hits the hot oil!)
  • Served with Channa Alu (Chick peas and potato mix) and Suji halwaa ( A delicious semolina dessert)
  • and then to digest all this soul satisfying session - Doodh Patti Chai ( Mixed tea with milk and cardamom)..

Our very gracious host - Anisa A. Rehman Quraishi- with expertise in Pakistani, Arabic, Chinese and European cuisines,has earned her name in catering for exclusive private events in Islamabad.

Cuisine: TURKISH DELIGHTS!

Cuisine: TURKISH DELIGHTS!

Saturday, 7 December 2024

Türkiye is a land of many landscapes, topographies and therefore many 'food' styles. Its cuisine evolved based on numerous cultural interactions throughout centuries, especially during the Ottoman Empire, and has now acquired an international status...

An opportunity to test / taste the delicious authentic Türkiye dishes prepared by experts!

-Turkish dips, Adana kebabs, Shish Touk, Chicken Shawarma served with bread and rice- topped by a special Kibbeh dish of ultra-lean meat, bulgur, onion purée and spices. And lets not forget the delicious Turkish dessert-Baklava flaky pastry layers filled with chopped nuts and drenched in sweet syrup - served along with the Turkish tea!

 

'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

Saturday, 9 November 2024

The 'Bohra' cuisine-while blending in with local tastes- is known for its unique taste . It is influenced by Gujarati, Persian, Yemeni, and Egyptian cooking styles...

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community lives in over 40 countries- moving from Yemen to Indian Gujrat and then -after partition- to various cities of Pakistan, mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi. Traditionally, a meal starts with a pinch of salt to clear the gut, cleansing the palate and helps fight several diseases! The dishes are served in a large round thaal (platter) with 8-10 people eating from it, mostly seated on the floor...

We have selected some of the most popular items for you including: Adla Soft Chunks of Beef on Bone with green masala, Khow Suey Chicken (an adopted Burmese dish) , Moong Pulao Beef, Stuffed Capsicum with Potato, Uttapam served with masala potatoes, beetroot halwa etc.

Some of these dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a cultural briefing and history about the community!

  • Guest Presenters: Munira and Owais of 'Moni’s Food'- a catering service based in Rawalpindi- cater to the community, and others with a taste and appreciation for this popular cuisine!
Cuisine - 'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

Cuisine - 'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

Saturday, 9 November 2024

'BOHRA' CUISINE- CELEBRATING DIVERSE CULINARY TRADITIONS!

The 'Bohra' cuisine-while blending in with local tastes- is known for its unique taste . It is influenced by Gujarati, Persian, Yemeni, and Egyptian cooking styles...

The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community lives in over 40 countries- moving from Yemen to Indian Gujrat and then -after partition- to various cities of Pakistan, mainly Karachi, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi. Traditionally, a meal starts with a pinch of salt to clear the gut, cleansing the palate and helps fight several diseases! The dishes are served in a large round thaal (platter) with 8-10 people eating from it, mostly seated on the floor...

We have selected some of the most popular items for you including: Adla Soft Chunks of Beef on Bone with green masala, Khow Suey Chicken (an adopted Burmese dish) , Moong Pulao Beef, Stuffed Capsicum with Potato, Uttapam served with masala potatoes, beetroot halwa etc.

Some of these dishes will be demonstrated and others served along with a cultural briefing and history about the community!

  • Guest Presenters: Munira and Owais of 'Moni’s Food'- a catering service based in Rawalpindi- cater to the community, and others with a taste and appreciation for this popular cuisine!
Cuisine - THE FLAVOURS OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Cuisine - THE FLAVOURS OF GILGIT-BALTISTAN

Saturday, 28 September 2024

The mesmerizing mountainous territory of Gilgit- Baltistan is renowned for its history and and stunning scenery!

With their own unique traditions and languages the cusine of Gilgit -Baltistan mirrors the region's cultural mosaic, reflecting a vibrant blend of influences from Central Asia, the Middle East and South Asia... each dish carries a story of tradition , heritage and centuries old practices...

We will start with 'Balay soup' - a traditional soup with homemade noodles, followed by 'Sharte Chap Shorro'-

a delicious pastry filled with meat. The main dishes will be 'Chap Ulu Alo' and 'Channa Pulao'...winding up with the delicious 'Rabri Pasta' dessert!

  • Our guest Chef Musarrat is originally from the valley and runs a small catering business offering a taste of her local cusine.

 

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