Pait ka Dozakh – What to eat in KU canteens

Reading Time : 2 minutes

“IBA canteen ka khana khane ke bajae, paise mujhe dedo”

–Unknown Senior

I cursed myself for not heeding these golden words, as I sat in the Adamjee cafe and stared despondently at a plate of Biryani, in front of me. It was a dusty evening, in my first week at IBA, and hunger pangs were driving daggers into my stomach.

After being disappointed by the food at campus, my friends and I decided that it was time for us to seek nourishment, at the numerous eateries one might find scattered throughout Karachi University. Thus, following the light of the sun, we left the old world, and ventured forth into the great unknown. Unbeknownst to us, our travels would reveal foods, that were fit for a table of kings.

Tikka Biryani at Chemistry Canteen

Location: Nafees Biryani

Just up the road from IBA, is the chemistry canteen of KU. It consists of an assortment of different eateries, and people from different departments converge here to enjoy a meal.

Hence, it was no surprise that fate brought me here, and placed in front of me a thaal of Tikka Biryani. The tikka is especially succulent when served piping hot, and coupled with a drink it becomes the stuff of dreams.

I firmly believe that nothing brings people together like good food. So go there with your friends, because sitting with people and sharing a thaal of Tikka Biryani is one of life’s greatest delights (also the quantity is too much to be eaten on your lonesome).

Cheese Paratha from Safeet

Location: Cafe-al-Safeet

Anyone who studies at IBA has been to Cafe Safeet. It serves as a relaxation spot for those who just got out of a boring class, and are looking to cool off.

On any day at Safeet, you’ll see Umair scrambling around collecting orders, Asad dishing out tea by the dozens, and Safeet Bhai himself yelling jokes and poetry out loud.

It was on a similar day, that I went there and had the pleasure of trying out the Cheese Paratha. It made me puff smoke like a dragon, burned my tongue, and was one of the tastiest things I have ever eaten.

Ice Cream at PG Canteen

Location: Prem Gali Canteen

Here it is, the pièce de résistance, the Soft Ice Cream of Prem Gali (a blatant misnomer).

Even the most taxing of days feel alright after having this dessert. It is the ultimate comfort food and forms one of my favorite go-to snacks in KU.

After an exhausting series of classes, nothing beats the feeling of enjoying some well-deserved fruits of victory. In essence, hanging out with your friends in some cafe at KU; a dusty environment, eating something of questionable hygiene, and having a good laugh.