Habibi Restaurant Peshawar has the fastest take home service

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Habibi is a small restaurant on the main University Road, just adjacent to the Hayatabad main entrance. I haven’t dined at Habibi but I can vouch for its take home service and quality of food. You phone them and within 20 minutes the order is packed to be taken home. The staff I have found to be very courteous and polite, always. There Chicken piece, Mutton Tikka and Karahi are worth ordering, again and again. Do not forget the Naans! And if all else fails try their Habibi platter. Amazing stuff and speedy service, the prices are a little steep though.

Rahat Bakers in Peshawar

Rahat Bakers or something of the likes of Rahat opened up in Peshawar few months back. The city is kind of low on quality stuff, specially in the food department. There are a few good bakeries like Jan’s Bakery, Pak Bakers etc. But then that’s where the thing stops. I believe this joint is a franchise of the original Rahat, because somewhere it changed to Tehzeeb after years of libel suits. So things became so jumbled up that consumers were confused out of their minds which Rahat was real and which was the imitator. And now we have this Rahat in Peshawar. But that’s not what this discussion is all about.

Today’s ramble is about the low quality stuff that this bakery is making and selling, in the month of Ramzan! I had the very unfortunate experience of buying samosas for Iftar and boy they turned out to be filled with some junk. On closer inspection I think it is the leftover stuff of Pakoras. The kids refused to eat it and so did my wife. That the cost of all items have been jacked up is another discussion altogether which may require another post. What is even more painful is the fact that a substantial quantity of the Samosas was sent to neighbors and friends for Iftar, just imagine what they might have felt on eating this junk.

A few days back I bought some Kachuris from them and surely at least one turned out to be filled with “NOTHING” and the other had burnt stuff filled in to it. Folks, spending a few million rupees to get a shop on main University road, getting a franchise from Rahat, opening a Bakery including a much needed Facebook page is no big feat at all, I say its good businessman acumen. The real thing is making and selling quality stuff and not ripping off customers. I hope the management takes note of this and improve their quality or I will stop going there.

IMG_20130729_192708 See this Samosa! It was filled with some junk. Get a life rippers!

A trip to the Christian Cemetery (Gora Qabristan) – Peshawar

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I have always wanted to visit the Gora Qabristan (Christian Cemetery) in Peshawar but somehow my commitments always prevented me from going there. Today while having lunch at The Coffee Pot (consisting of Mixed Salad, lemonade and ice cream) and while reading “The story of Malakand Field Force” by Winston Chruchill I decided to make the much awaited pilgrimage. Lo and behold, with the bill paid and the waiter tipped (with some alacrity) I hopped in my car. Today was a good day, the temperature was around 36 Centigrade.

Continue reading A trip to the Christian Cemetery (Gora Qabristan) – Peshawar

Balahisar Namakmandi Food Forte new Restaurant in Peshawar

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This place, Balahisar Namakmandi Food Forte started its services in Peshawar about two weeks back. I saw its ad on a billboard and a visit was deftly planned on a quiet and hot summer weekend. The place is located on Abdara road in front of Dar-e-Arqam School. It is in an old house that has been renovated, and decorated very tastefully.

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Coffee Pot Peshawar, a review of sorts

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Nestled in between Dewan-e-Khas and a few cozy tree lined houses in the quiet part of Peshawar lies this eatery that has my attention for quite for sometime. The environment is what one what would expect from any upscale restaurant of the day. Its quiet demeanor is above all impressive. The kind of place where I would love to go any day (be it a sweltering summer afternoon) for a cold coffee or a freezing winter noon for a cappuccino.

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PTI won or lost? You decide.

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The educated working as well as middle/upper class of Pakistan has always considered politics as a dirty business. Resultantly, politics was left to the politicians who were supported by the uneducated class, mostly. I know many (myself included) who would prefer to sleep or while away time on things more (read less) important, than to go out and vote and perform this National duty. We would sleep late, watch TV, watch movies, listen to music and do just about everything except vote, off course. Resultantly, the voter turnout was always low and very few ended up deciding the fate of everyone. Come elections 2013, and everything changed. Why? Because of Imran Khan off course. Because in him, people saw a ray of hope. The educated class had faith in him and knew only he could take them out of this quagmire. So did Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf win or loose?

Continue reading PTI won or lost? You decide.

The Maple House, new restaurant in Peshawar

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Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with The Maple House, nor is this post about marketing their stuff. I visited this eatery and decided to write about it on my blog.

The city of Peshawar never ceases to amaze me. With so many things happening around from bomb blasts, to killings and political wranglings, you suddenly get news of a new eatery springing up in the middle of University Town, Chinar Road to be exact. I just wonder how business is thriving? Well I guess the people are tired and they need a break, from it all. So, we were talking about The Maple House, shall we?

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The hole in the wall

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The boundary of Hayatabad is marked by high walls, at least 6 feet on most if not all sides. Just adjacent to Phase 2 is the Ring Road which happens to be another locality. It is a place where businesses are thriving and growing. One can find very good places to eat, get your car repaired for there are umpteen mechanics, shopping places and all. Off course, there are also small housing societies unevenly distributed in the area.

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Espresso Lounge now in Peshawar

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Sandwiched in between Warda Lawn and a vacant floor Espresso Lounge has opened an outlet in the restive city of Peshawar. The place is ideal for shoppers, those looking for a quick cappuccino or loners like me who love to think in isolation 🙂 It is on the main University Road, near Arbab Road in one of the new (still empty) Plazas.

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5D Motion Ride in Peshawar

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It’s on the main University road, in Peshawar. The latest fun place to be in the city. The kids talked me into taking them there for a ride and I acquiesced. In fact it was them who took me for a ride, if you know what I mean. The place is impressive. The city of Peshawar already has a motion ride somewhere in Bhittani plaza, but that’s too crowded a place. This one is a lot cheaper too. Rs 150 per person isn’t bad. The one in Bhittani charges Rs 250 per head. The ambience  is good but the only thing missing is soft drinks or something to nibble while waiting for your turn. I say ; highly recommended. Must try it out. 🙂

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