Dushanbe (TDI): A burst of Pakistani flavor and tradition swept through the capital of Tajikistan on Sunday, as the Pakistani Embassy hosted a colorful food festival that gave locals and foreigners a rare chance to experience the country’s culinary and cultural richness.
Stalls served up everything from chicken karahi and chapli kebabs to pakoras, samosas, jalebi, lassi, and chana chaat. The dishes represented all regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. Each plate told a story, some spicy, some sweet, all unmistakably Pakistani.
“The karahi was amazing, spicy, but in the best way,” said one local man, licking his fingers after finishing a helping. “I never knew Pakistani food had so many layers,” APP reported.
But it wasn’t just about the cuisine. The venue was transformed into a mini cultural bazaar. Pakistani flags fluttered alongside handwoven textiles, colorful pottery, and traditional attire.
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Henna stalls attracted a line of Tajik women, eager to get intricate mehndi designs on their hands. Others browsed handmade jewelry and crafts, stopping to ask questions or take selfies in front of the decorated booths.
“It’s a full cultural experience,” said a European visitor. “The food is just the beginning. There’s music, art, hospitality, all packed into one place.”
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Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tajikistan, Saeed Sarwar, welcomed guests and emphasized the spirit behind the event. “This festival is a reflection of the warmth and generosity our country is known for,” he said. “Through food and culture, we’re building friendships and deepening our ties with the people of Tajikistan.”
He added that more such events would follow in the future, as Pakistan looks to promote its image through genuine, people-to-people engagement.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
