1. Missing Food Big Time (.. big… Big Mac)

On Twitter, a hungry tweeter pleaded: “Can you please not use hashtags (#) during Ramadan? It looks like a waffle”. This innocent tweet shows how deeply hunger affects our thinking during the holy month of Ramazan. In fact, many have to have conscious reminders not to take a bite of the kids’ lunch, and suppress constant chai cravings. This is an expedition which can last all the way up to the first Ashra.

Warning: Groggy caffeine-deprived people on the loose!

2. Newsfeed and Ad Overflow

The first struggle comes pre-Ramazan, with an explosion of discount ads ranging from television to social media. With Ufone showing off Faisal Qureshi’s witty dialogues and Hamza Ali Abbasi making glow lights out of Pepsi bottles; it’s a real circus act testing the human decision-making process – and it all seems like a filler for a great opera. The companies prey on mass psychology in making people believe that their product is all they need for a hungry belly. Choices have never been so complex when it comes to choosing food; be it a mega buffet or a soft drink. The ads are so repetitive and cheaply scripted that they make you cringe. And, and, and… the game shows! What did I do to deserve watching people falling over themselves for a washing machine? How I wish people had a 160 character limit when they spoke!

3. Cliche Cholesterol, Maybe? A guilty pleasure for Ramazan!

The amount of eating increases dramatically during this month. Samosas, pakoras, jalaibis and other deep-fried foods are a staple on every iftar table. They have become so embedded in our culture that without them no iftar is considered complete.
The other day, I told someone about my sehri menu, which was Weetabix cereal and yogurt. They judged me and my taste buds, and said “Anday parathay kay baghair bhala koi sehri hoti hai?”
Since then, I’ve been having parathas for sehri *feels double chin*

4. Full appetite, half broke

Them: “All you can eat”
Translation: “All you can spend”
But it is true – after consuming the typical iftari: samosay, pakoray, Rooh Afza, fruit chaat, jalaibi, dahi bhallay, rolls and what not (thank God I’m not writing this during the roza), one begins to think how the same iftar was being made at home. It’s the thrill of Ramazan that becomes a big woe when you start eating out. Ghar ka khana FTW!

5. Pleasing the host (So much for being a foodie)

Born to a desi household, you cannot offend your host because you’ll get a rapid-fire of: “Beta ye tau lia he nai”, “Kitna kam khatay ho”, “Diet pe ho kya?”, “Khati nahi ho, phir bhi moti ho?” Meanwhile, an aunty puts a heap of aaloo channa chaat on your plate. This social obligation to please the ‘maizbaan’ causes unnecessary consumption of food and rampant bad health. So much so that at times we dread the ‘zabardasti ki aftariyaan’. Also, rozaydaars and their ‘ate too much’ post-iftar face is animated even more when they see the weighing scale: “Umm, but that’s my nana’s age!”

Woes and wows make this holy month special and the most memorable throughout the year.It’s a month of sharing, caring, and making sure we don’t run out of basin!

As Pakistanis, food is always our first priority no matter what. Be it an official meeting, a wedding, a college break, or even a funeral, food is something that brings us all together.

A while ago I was discussing delicacies of Pakistan with my friends which brings me to write this blog.

There are a number of foods that have always won our heart.  If you’re traveling across Pakistan, there are plenty of places where you can go…balkay you MUST go, for ‘UFF BUHAT MAZAY KA KHANA”

Mian Jee Ki Daal:

Way before Islamabad-Lahore motorway was constructed, GT road was the only way to go Lahore. While traveling from Rawalpindi to Lahore or other cities of a Punjab, it was a must to have Ievery time we crossed Lala Musa. Between Lahore and Pindi, there’s a restaurant for the masses called Mianjee

Known for its special daal channa and paratha, the place has always served the taste for years. People from all parts of Pakistan visit the restaurant just for its unique flavour. Desi ghee is a magical ingredient for sure but we still haven’t figured out how they make it so yummy!

Hassan Abdal Ki Machli:

Located in the north of Punjab, 40km northwest of Islamabad, Hassan Abdal is a home of the Gurudwara Panja Sahib- one of the most sacred sites of Sikhism.

The town is famous for its historical association with the Mughal Era; Wah Gardens, Tomb of Lalarukh, and Hakimon ka Maqbara.

What still remains is the fresh river fish which has driven us crazy for so long! There’s not a specific eaterie as per say but the several roadside fish vendors cook it with spicy and yummilicious masala. It’s a must try if you’re planning to go there!

Charsi Tikka, Peshawar:

Known for its lamb chops and karai, Charsi tikka is something you would definitely want to have over and over again. Located in Namak Mandi, the restaurant offers a wide range of meat; barbeque, karahi, and kabab. They’re made in a special ghee and tossed with salt in an unconventional way which makes it a delicacy.

Patakha Chicken, Nathiagali:

Patakha Chicken is a fried roast marinated in salt, garlic juice and lots of crushed red chili flake. If you’re a spice lover, you would definitely love this chicken! Wo bhi Nathiagali mein <3

Featured image source: Mangobaaz

It’s extremely hot in most parts of the country and fasting is obviously going to be difficult. So, here are some refreshing, easy, and yummy drinks you can make at home. They don’t require too much time and effort, give these drinks to aunties and uncles and bag a bunch of compliments!

1. Sparkling Watermelon Ginger Drink: 

Uff watermelon is our best friend when it comes to summery foods. Our favourite favourite favourite fruit! Well, this drink is absolutely easy to make, here you go:

Ingredient:

Watermelon

Ginger

Carbonated water

Lemon

2. Watermelon, Ginger, Pineapple, and Ginger Drink:

Eeee! So much flavour and fun in one drink! This is going to drive you nuts after a lengthy roza. Get ready for some drink coma:

Ingredients:

Watermelon

Pineapple

Ginger

3. Yogurt and Apple Smoothie

Yogurt is a great way to keep thirst under control if you’re fasting. This mouth-watering smoothie is a must try before or after roza.

Ingredients:

Milk
Greek Yogurt
Dates
Apple Juice

4. Oats and Fruit Smoothie:

If you’re planning to eat healthy during Ramazan, this is a great drink to keep up with your health and weight. You would need the following ingredients for this:

Milk
Honey
Oats
Cinnamon Powder
Mango
Peach

5. Plum Lemonade:

Lemonade is a standard and the most loved drink for iftaar but you can always make it yummier by adding more fun to it.

Ingredients:

Plum
Lemon
Water
Brown Sugar
Ice

6. Lemonade with Chia Seeds:

Like mentioned earlier, lemonade is just the bomb you need after a parched day. Well to add more flavour and health value to your drink, you can have it with chia seeds( known as tukhmalanga in Urdu). It is also a great way to lose weight because of its high fiber value ( woaah, secret to your fit body!)

Ingredients:

Lemons
Chia Seeds
Water
Sugar Syrup
Ice

7. Mango and Coconut Drink:

Haye Allah, this sounds perfect already. Mango is the king of all fruits and it beats the heat for sure (if taken the right amount). Here, have a look:

Ingredients:

Mango
Lemons
Sugar
Mint
Coconut Water

8. Mango Lassi

Lassi is our traditional go-to drink every summer, well here’s how you can add more flavour it *ting*

Ingredients:

Mangoes
Yogurt
Crushed cardamom
Sugar
Nuts
Ice

Chai chaiye? Yes, all day every day!

The chaivinist in us has explored Islamabad enough to talk to about our favorite places in the city to have chai. Here are our topic picks,

Trail-5 (Margallah Hills):

Still the favorite, best-loved, close to none, TADAAA! Trail-5 (in sector F-5 has the BEST chai in town. It’s a traditional little piyaali that serves ‘gurh wali chai’ (jaggery tea). It’s a combination of saunf, gurh, and ilaichi that make the refreshing aroma. Just a cup of tea under 50 rupees, wah! While you’re at it, treat yourself to the aaloo k pakoray they have at the khokha.

The sitting area is also very neat and tidy, you can totally go there at any time of the day.

Chattha’s(F-10)

When it comes to eateries in Islamabad, Chattha’s is definitely one of the best places to have Desi food. If you plan on having chai in a cosy ambiance; ghazals in the background, grasping a cup of gurh wali chai with both hands, and pouring it from a traditional chainak, then you really need to visit Chattha’s in Tariq Market, F-10.

Also, Wednesday is their ‘Khawateen Ispecial Day’ so you’ll get free chai which otherwise costs nearly 100 rupees. Take your aunty, chachi, maami, behnas, bhabhis and sahelis along.

On a personal note: If you don’t get the combination of chai and paratha, we can’t be friends…

Chickachino (F-7):

F-7 has always been Islamabad’s favorite place for all kinds of food. Be it Chinese, Lebanese, Desi, or Italian, everything seems to kick-off from there.

A fairly recent eatery, Chickachino in F-7 serves one of the top chais in town. Iliachi wali chai and jalebi really don’t look good on the weighing scale but the heart’s gotta do what it’s gotta do. Behtareen chai at this little eatery with snacks such as pakoray and jalebi make you feel Stockholm syndrome-ish.

The place is also known for its happening ambiance and sara waqt ki chehl pehl in terms of gigs and musical performances.

Naanstop (F-10):

When it comes to chai, Naanstop is always on our mind! The 100 rupee chai with multiple flavors is a great way to treat yourself along with cheesy and Nutella naans *slurp*

Chai Chowk (F-11):

The really feel-at-home cafe in Islamabad with dhair saray flavors, has been our go-to place in times of happiness, sorrow, crucial arguments, and even writing assignments. The large variety of chai and clear teas make it special for sure.

The place is also known for holding events and talks for like minded people. From Ghalib to Women’s Day, Chai Chowk caters to art and rights over their oh-so-amazing cup of chai.

Secret Sky (F-10):

Secret Sky is an outdoor space in Idrees market F-10 which happens to be synonymous with live music and great chai. It is quite the mature version of Hotspot, where people can chill, have chai and hot chocolate, and listen to live music.

Two cups of coffee and a cookie later, I bring myself to an affirmation that this could be done- no biggie.

But it turns out that it’s not something unique to our region as a lot of other countries around the world enjoy the same beverage but in a different style. Let’s have a look at 22 different types of tea that are popular around the world!

1. Japan

Matcha is a very fine powder with a green color to it. In Japan, it is more of a ceremonial type of tea and the event centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha.

2. India

Indian tea known for its medicinal purpose other than just daily consumption. Concoctions like the Indian Masala Chai is very popular which includes strong black Indian tea with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.

3. Britain

Britain is perhaps the most popular destination after the South East where drinking tea is so popular. While it is usually served with milk, it is not uncommon to drink it black or with lemon, with sugar being a popular addition. The tradition of tea is so well liked that even very slightly formal events can be a cause for tea making. British folk however prefer to use cups and saucers instead of mugs.

4. Turkey

Turkish tea, called çay, from where we get the popular term “cawa” is pure black tea which the addition of milk. Tea is staple drink and is served everywhere and for most meals. Despite it being made from black tea, the color itself is a deep crimson that is served with two tiny sugar cubes in a tulip-shaped glass on a saucer and a little spoon to stir.

5. Tibet

Po Cha is Tibet’s national drink and is a made from…wait for it…Butter! The mixture is made from churning tea, salt, and yak butter. The tea itself that is used is considered very very strong and is acquired from Pemagul. The taste however is very different. Some describe it as salty and rancid. One certainly has to develop drink, with its salty, oily and sometimes rancid flavor, which makes it an acquired taste, is the national beverage.

6. Morocco

Morocco’s national drink, the Moroccan Mint tea, is a highly celebrated affair. The process of making the tea, locally known as Atai, is usually done infront of guests. The taste is so unique and refreshing, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions for the country.

7. Hong Kong

Hong Kong tea is often also referred to as “Pantyhose Tea” owing to the long cylindrical containers it is usually served it. The method of using evaporation and condensed milk gives it a creamy, foamy texture and when served in a tall glass it resembles a ladies’ pantyhose. Talk about a tall glass of refreshing sweet tea.

8. Taiwan

Taiwan holds the origin for the “Oolong” tea, which is highly regarded as the champions of tea. By some tea enthusiasts it is also called the “Champagne” of tea. The mixture of fine herbs and leafs, leave a faint and tingling taste on the tongue.

9. Kuwait

Tea in Kuwait does not bear any distinctive features other than it is a must have with every meal with flavors that include Saffron and mint. Its presentation resembles a lot with the Turkish tea.

10. Russia

Who knew that a frigid, cold country would turn to tea to get warm. Russia has had quite a history with tea making given the temperatures that usually hit the country. Despite that it is a cosy affair usually served with desserts.

11. Pakistani

Our milky, sugary concoction is a must have for our daily kickstart. From fancy hotels to roadside “Dhabbas” tea is served with the same fervor. It is the conversation starter for many and includes variations based on the amount of tea and sugar. Truck drivers, laborers and other low income class people hail tea as their daily motivation. Heck, we even have a famous #ChaiWala now.

12. Thailand

Thai iced tea or cha-yen (literally “cold tea”) is made from strongly brewed Ceylon tea, mixed with condensed milk and sugar and then topped with evaporated milk. When sold from market stalls in Thailand, the drink is poured over crushed ice in a clear plastic bag or tall plastic cups.

13. China

In addition to being a drink, Chinese tea is used in traditional Chinese medicine and cuisine. According to popular legend, tea was discovered by Chinese Emperor Shennong when a leaf from a nearby shrub fell into water the emperor was boiling.

14. Egypt

Karkadeh tea is Egypt’s national drink. Egyptians are well-known for being big tea drinkers. The tea itself is a sweet-sour drink of bright red color, made of dried Sudanese rose flower bracts. You can drink it both hot and cold.

15. Mongolia

Much like the country itself, the tea prepared also utilizes more harsher parts of the plant. But the overall taste and texture of the tea is not undesirable. Its soft, milky finish that is often accompanied with sugar is a regular drink at meals. It is usually served in a shallow round pot made of metal.

16. Kenya

Kenya is one of the leading exporters of tea and as such prepare one of the finest teas. They produce a strong concoction of black tea. Tea enthusiasts prefer the Kenyan blend for it copper color and perky aftertaste.

17. South Africa

South Africa’s native plant, Rooibos, is used to make tea in South Africa. The plant is native to South Africa and releases a vivid red color. It is prepared the same way as black tea with milk and sugar as additives. However, sugar can sometimes be replaced with honey as well.

18. Qatar

The tea is Qatar is known as “Karak” meaning strong. The tea gets this characteristic from an extra step of preparation by boiling the tea leafs twice to release a stronger flavor. It is accompanied by milk and sugar.

19. Mauritania

Tea drinking in Mauritania comes with its own special tradition. The tea is served 3 times, and tastes from bitter to sweet. Each time a cup is finished a brew is freshly prepared from scratch which includes mint as well. Talk about hospitality!

20. Malaysia

“Teh Tarik” literally means “Pulled Tea”. The tea holds a special place in the heart of Southeast Malaysians. It is made usually evaporated milk or condensed milk and leaves behind a frothy, bubbly mixture.

21. Argentina

“Yerba Mate” is a vitamin infused herbal tea that is shared in a group. It is passed around for everyone to drink which makes it quite a special affair. The taste however is somewhat earthy, and bland and is not suitable for the average tea drinker.

22. USA

Iced Tea is usually prepared with teabags or instant mix powders. It hosts a variety of flavors and finishes which makes it quite a common table item on meals. This is why its commonly referred to as “table wine of the south”.

Happy drinking everyone!

The snow is melting and spring is just around the corner, so, Pakistanis pack those jackets and get your shorts out cause outdoor fun time is back.

Usually, when it comes to getting one’s family or friends together for some outdoor, under the sun fun, we get lost in deciding what to do, one thinks about the variety of options and not seem to find many on the list.

Well, we at Pakiholic, have good news for you, dear comrades, because we have found the best place for you to enjoy spring at its full swing. Mangla dam!

What ????? Why ???? What even ???

You ask.

Well, one thing that many don’t know about Mangla is that it’s not just a boring old dam rather it’s a fun-filled place that provides tourists and visitors with multiple water sports activities.

From jet skiing to speedboat rides near the spillway, one could also enjoy paragliding and banana boating. Take a cool dip in the translucent blue water or complete the cliff jump challenge that many find too extreme.

There is an assortment of choices when it comes to food at the bank of the water. Many small food stalls provide you with freshly caught fish which they serve you fried and garnished with lemon and chat masala. If you’re really in the mood they rustle up a mouthwatering, tongue sizzling fish karai and it’s so good that you would definitely wanna visit again soon for a second round.

Mangla not only provides a fun experience at the waterfront but also hosts huge orange farms that play a huge part in producing a good percentage of the sweet nectarine in Pakistan. One could always visit these farms and enjoy the vibrant fruit straight from the tree while enjoying a picnic with friends or family. Basking in the sun among the fruit-laden orange trees that cover the farms that stretch as far as one’s eyes can see.

So don’t waste this spring sitting around at home watching tv folks, pack your bags and sandwiches and head on down to Mangla for a fun-filled weekend/ getaway.

A similar incident recently happened in Karachi when a young boy named Muhammad Ahmed lost his life because of the improper use of supplements. He was studying ACCA and was doing body building as a hobby. According to some online sources, Muhammad Ahmed was advised by his trainers to take supplements that were fake and were not suitable for the body type. The young fitness enthusiast, started taking those supplements without doing any proper research of his own and the result was fatal. Ahmed died due to kidney and liver failure.

Like all other sports, Pakistan does not have proper trainers of Body Building. And the young guys who start going to gym know absolutely nothing about Body Building. The irony is that the fitness trainers in a vast majority of gyms in Pakistan don’t have any proper certification or fitness education. And they pass whatever they think is right to the young lads who come to the gym for the first time. What is the result? Well, the result is improper diet, dangerous exercises, injuries, and sometimes even death!

Body Building experts advise the young entrants to stick to basics and not to try to gain muscle too quickly. If any trainer or so called fitness expert tells you that you will be able to get a body like The Rock, Arnold, Cristiano Ronaldo, or any other film or sports star within 3, 4 months they are lying to you. It takes a lot of time persistence and proper training to gain muscle and to get long lasting results. Last but not the least, the young body builders should avoid using steroids, and even the supplements. As many of the supplements available in Pakistan are fake and even for the ones that are original, they require proper diet and they must be prescribed by a trained physician.

The best advice is to take things slowly, don’t hurt yourself, do proper exercise and go for natural diet. It is really saddening to see such young kids losing lives because of wrong guidance of the so called fitness coaches who have absolutely no knowledge. Muhammad Ahmed has left his family in despair and grief. May his soul rest in peace. Our prayers go out for him.

Now, the federal government and the provincial governments must take steps to introduce proper coaching certificates for fitness trainers in gyms. Also the parents should make sure that their children join such gyms which have proper instructors who are qualified in the field of fitness and nutrition.

The major countries which export Pakistani mangoes include Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Holland, Bahrain, Malaysia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, France, Switzerland, UAE, Kuwait, Singapore. Other than these countries Pakistani mango exporters are also making a mark in some new markets like China, United States, Mauritius, and Japan.

One of the main reasons why Pakistani mangoes are liked more than the Indian mangoes is the superior quality of Pakistani mangoes. Other than that, Pakistani exporters are also providing better packaging. The biggest destination for Pakistani mango exports seem to be European markets. Whereas, Indian mangoes are mostly exported to the Middle Eastern countries.

Pakistani mango exports have been continuously increasing since last one decade or so. And the authorities have set the target to make Pakistan the biggest mango exporting country in the world. Right now, Pakistan is the 4th largest mango exporting country in the world. About 67% of total mangoes produced in Pakistan are in Punjab, 32% are in Sindh, and rest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistani mangoes are surely making Pakistan proud all over the world. However, it is important that further initiatives are taken to increase the overall production of mangoes in the country and also to further improve the quality of Pakistani mango exports, so that Pakistan can become the World’s number 1 mango exporting country.