Pakistani cricket legend Wasim Akram has entered the long-running Karachi versus Lahore food debate, and in his characteristic outspoken fashion, he did not hold back.
The conversation started when politician and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry posted a tweet backing Lahore’s culinary standing.
“Karachi’s food is okay, but it lacks Lahore’s pedigree. With food giants serving the same dish over a century, Lahore’s culinary heritage is in a league of its own. It’s the history behind food that makes it so special,” Fawad wrote.
Akram responded with a video posted on social media, where he positioned himself as someone qualified to settle the argument from both sides.
Born and raised in Lahore, he spent 42 years in the city before moving to Karachi, where he has now lived for the past 14 years.
“I wanted to end the debate once and for all,” he said. “I spent 42 years in Lahore, was born there, and I am a true Lahori, but I have also been living in Karachi for the last 14 years.”
He recalled visiting Lahore during the PSL finals and returning to his old favourite spots in Gulberg, having desi food, ordering champ burgers, and eating the spicy dishes he grew up with.
Despite the nostalgia, his verdict was Karachi.
“Karachi’s food scene is on another level because of its variety,” he said. “Lahore definitely has some iconic places like Waris Nihari and famous paye spots, but Karachi offers food from every community, Pathans, Balochis, Punjabis, Karachiites, all mixed together. In Karachi, one restaurant can offer many different kinds of cuisine, while Lahore has less variety.”
He also took a jab at Lahore’s famous Food Street near Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort.
“When I visited a couple of years ago, the food felt overly spicy. It was all just chilies,” he said, questioning why cream had suddenly appeared in Lahori food.
He said that Lahore’s food is good, but Karachi wins on range and variety.
Fawad, taking it in good spirit, replied to the video in Punjabi writing, “Inj tey nai na Bhai Jan… will see you in Karachi soon… :)”
The Karachi versus Lahore food debate is far from new. The friendly rivalry between the two cities has been an ongoing and constant one, with competition ranging across lifestyle, entertainment, and food.
