- By Ansa Hameed & Irfan Bin Shareef
IRFAN JUNEJO
A Flavorful Journey Through Karachi’s Culinary Landscape
By Ansa Hameed & Irfan Bin Shareef
Irfan Junejo, a name synonymous with captivating travel and lifestyle vlogs, has recently ventured into a new realm that is as rich and diverse as the landscapes he once explored: the world of food vlogging. With a particular focus on Karachi, the city known as the culinary heart of Pakistan, Junejo’s latest series offers his audience an intimate taste of its bustling food culture.
Karachi is not just Pakistan’s biggest metropolitan city; it’s also its gastronomic epicenter. Irfan Junejo’s foray into food vlogging showcases this brilliantly, with each episode a loving ode to the city’s varied culinary offerings. From street food to traditional home cooking, Irfan Junejo journey is a culinary map of Karachi’s soul.
One of the first episodes features an immersive exploration of Biryani, a staple that towers in Karachi’s culinary scene. Junejo not only savors different variations but also dives into the historical roots of this beloved dish, engaging with local chefs who share their secrets and stories.
Street Foods and Stories
Irfan Junejo vlogs highlight not just the food but also the stories of those who make it. A memorable reel dives into the world of Shams Chaat, located in Garden East and functioning since 1970.
What makes this Chaat distinctive is that you are not allowed to mix it as all the chutneys are layered. And if you try to combine them. The chaat will turn into khichdi as disclosed by the owner.
As he navigates through crowded stalls, the camera captures the vivid imagery of spices. Junejo’s interaction with these vendors adds a personal touch, making viewers feel as if they are right there, tasting the tangy and spicy flavors of this popular street snack.
Another standout reel focuses on Nihari, a slow-cooked stew that is a breakfast favorite in Karachi. Junejo visits Zahid Nihari eatery, located on Tariq Road, which has been serving Nihari for decades.
This place knows that quality comes at a price, as they do not compromise on quality by utilizing fine spices in their dishes. During his visit, Junejo learns about the meticulous process of making this dish from scratch. The episode is not just a feast for the eyes, but also an educational journey into the patience and passion required to create such a complex dish.
Moving on, in another reel, Junejo highlights the struggle of a man who lost his job, but it convinced him to become an entrepreneur. This is the story of a man named Farhan. Who has started his momos business under the name Ali Baba Momos. It is located in Nazimabad.
As many people are not familiar with momos here in Karachi, to attract customers. He has installed a screen on his cart that shows the making of this snack. For the curious ones, he gives free samples as well, and when a person tries one. He cannot resist the urge to get more.
Junejo knows that Karachiites cannot survive without French fries. Fries are the staple snack of the streets of Karachi. He has uncovered a gem known as Taddy Uppa Fries located in Karimabad.
Taddy is the name of the owner and Uppa means brother in Korean. So altogether it is Taddy brother or Taddy Bhai as in Urdu. Taddy Bhai randomly opened his fries cart 24 years ago. Today he is known as the legend of fries in Karimabad.
Irfan Junejo is a gastronomic sleuth when it comes to finding underrated cuisines and preserving them through a lens gracefully. In just the same way, he discovers Asli Peshawari Soup. It has been running for the past 60 years in Paposh Nagar.
The uniqueness of this shop is that they have been selling only one item, which is Yakhni. Since the beginning, and the people are still not getting over it.
No culinary tour of Karachi would be complete without diving into its sweets, and Junejo ensures his viewers get a taste of this as well.
His reel features Super United Dairy, a 24-hour-running sweet shop located in Saddar that is famous for its Doodh Jalebi, a traditional sweet treat. Its crafting involves a deep-fried sweet made from wheat flour batter and served with hot milk.
An intriguing aspect of this locale lies in its absence of a shutter, as aforementioned; this place runs 24/7, due to which it does not need a shutter to shut the shop.
Next, Junejo covers Malpura, a traditional Indian sweet dish made by frying the batter, usually consisting of flour, milk, and sugar, in ghee, soaked in sugar syrup. it is flavored with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. Malpura is often served as a dessert during festivals like Holi and Diwali in India, and in Pakistan. it is cherished during Ramadan.
Junejo tours M. Suleiman Mithai Wala, a Bombay sweet mart that started its journey in 1925 from India. After partition, the owner moved to Pakistan and opened the shop in Kharadar, and since then, it has been prominent for its Malpuras.
Moving on, to beat the extreme weather in Karachi during the summers. Junejo has come up with another undiscovered gem, Sufi Sharbat, located in Lyari for the past 40 years. It is a juice made with kheer, a sweet rice pudding, and malai, which is a type of clotted cream. This beverage is ideal for combating the summer heat.
What sets Junejo’s food vlogs apart is his focus on the narrative behind the cuisine. He doesn’t just eat; he listens. Each vendor has a story, and each dish has a history.
His cinematic style translates beautifully into food videography. Each frame is thoughtfully composed, whether it’s a close-up of sizzling kebabs or the wide-angle shots of bustling marketplaces. His editing style, which gracefully stitches together scenes with soothing background music, creates an immersive experience for the viewer.
Irfan Junejo’s transition into food vlogging is a vibrant journey into the heart of Karachi. Each episode is a celebration of the city’s rich culinary traditions, presented through Junejo’s unique lens.
For food lovers and cultural explorers alike, his vlogs are not just informative but a sensory experience that captures the true flavor of Karachi, one dish at a time. As he continues to explore, taste, and discover, Junejo is doing more than just filling bellies.
He is telling the story of Karachi, one bite at a time!
