Rain increases demand for crispy food items

Rawalpindi
On and off rain increases demand for spicy and crispy food items as people were seen buying ‘pakoras’, samosas, jalebee, chicken-corn soup, Kashmiri tea, fried fish, ‘gajar ka halwa’ etc on Tuesday.
Many families of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad also enjoyed special foods as rain turned weather pleasant.
According to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), on and off rain in twin cities would continue during next 24-hours. Hilly areas including Murree and Nathia Galli have received heavy snowfall on Tuesday.
Pakistan Meteorological Department (Director) Dr Muhammad Hanif told ‘The News’ that a strong rainy spell had entered Baluchistan a couple of days back, which has caused rains in different parts of the country including the twin cities. The present spell would continue during next 24-hours. However, hilly areas including Murree and Nathia Galli would also receive heavy snowfall during next 24-hours, he predicted. He also warned people particularly children to wear warm clothes because cool winds would come from hilly areas to increase the chill in weather.
The recent rain spell has increased the sale of crispy food items in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The people have started enjoying the traditional local foods like ‘pakoras’, ‘samosas’, chicken-corn soup, ‘doodh jalebee’, ‘rasmalai’, ‘gajar ka halwa’, Kashmiri tea, fried fish, coffee etc.
Several markets including Hathi Chowk in Saddar, Kamran Market, Bank Road, Commercial Market, Committee Chowk, College Road, China Market, Sadiqabad and some other localities in Rawalpindi while Melody Market, Karachi Company, Jinnah Super Market, Super Market, Aabpara Market, F-10 and other places having stalls of winter delights are doing good business, due to high demand for winter foods.
M Akram, a shopkeeper at Hathi Chowk, said that ‘doodh jalebee’ is high in demand these days, adding that he prepares two large utensils of ‘doodh jalebee’ daily and they all sell like hot cakes. He said that the rain spell has boosted their business.
Uzma Irfan, a housewife living at Waris Khan, said that she prepares fried food items at home especially on rainy day and whole family enjoys crispy food items like ‘samosas’ and ‘pakoras’. However, she showed anger over low gas pressure at homes during rains.
During visit to various markets, it was observed that a number of people were enjoying the weather with different food items. ‘Gajar ka Halwa’ also, is considered to be one of irresistible food items during rain. Prepared with carrots, condensed milk and dry fruits, the delicious dessert not only a source of energy, but also adds colour and taste to the meal.
Chicken-corn soup is the most favourite and widely liked soup for the customers especially in twin cities.
A vendor said that fish consumption multiplied in winter, which was evident from a dramatic surge in their sale during the cold weather. In addition to regular fish shops in the twin cities, mobile fish vendors roaming around on their bicycles a common sight these days, and usually they offer a good price margin.
Similarly, Kashmiri tea is another most favourite winter hot drink and it looks more delicious, serve with crushed almonds and pistachio. Men, women and children come to the outlets of food items to enjoy the rain.