With the onset of Ramadhan restaurants in Kashmir are witnessing an unusual rush, as a new trend to go out at the dusk and break the day’s fast at some eatery is picking up fast among the people in the Srinagar city.
Traditionally during the Ramadhan markets in Srinagar after the dusk used to present dull look as people used to prefer staying indoors for breaking their fast. However, the scenario has changed from couple of years now and a good number of people would go to eat out with families or friends.
“People visiting our place for Iftari has picked up tremendously from last couple of years. This year also response is great as people mostly come along with their families to break their fast at our restaurants,” said Banquet executive, The Lalit Grand Palace, Fauzia Khan.
“In order to attract more and more clientele, we are serving Iftari buffet at our chinar restaurant with Chinese, continental, Indian, Kashmiri combination of food variety. Besides we are also serving special Arabic desserts like Balaisaam, Baklava, Mubarak,” Khan said.
Food and beverage manager The Lalit Grand Palace, Akhter Gouase said people visiting the place have increased the business aspect. “We are having pre-booking for Iftars which is a good sign that people now prefer to eat out during the Ramadhan.”
Managing Director, Hattrick Foods, BabarChowdhary said, “Our sales during Iftar time has increased considerably from last couple of year.”
“If you see outside J&K and in Muslim countries, there is huge rush of people swarming markets post dusk, but that scene was missing in Kashmir. But I believe with exposure this will also change,” he said.
Babar said their Hattrick special phirni is hit among food lovers.
While it is good for the restaurants, people too are enjoying to move out in the post dusk time with lesser traffic on roads.
“Post Iftar is a good time to move out of your home along with family for spending leisure time and have a good food,” said Ajaz Ahmad, who is regular visitor to famous barbeque market Khayam.