As-salamu alaykum - Warmth in Islamabad’s Soup Cups as Winter Sets In
As-salamu alaykum. In the sharp cold of an Islamabad winter, few things comfort you like a hot bowl of chicken-corn soup.
Away from fancy cafés and upscale restaurants, three simple soup stalls have quietly won people’s hearts, offering warmth, spice and comfort for less than a dollar a cup.
Each stall has its own story, taste and loyal crowd. Together they map a part of the city’s street-food spirit, where aroma, affordability and friendly faces come together.
Toba Hot and Sour Soup - G-9 Markaz
The first stop is Toba Hot and Sour Soup in the busy lanes of G-9 Markaz. The air here is thick with vinegar and chili, and regulars warn you to come early before the pots are gone.
“I come here daily to enjoy this soup. This is one of the most famous soups in Islamabad,” said Salman Shabir as he scooped a spoonful of red-gold broth.
“The recipe is good, the spices are perfect-that’s why people come from far away.”
Soup Point - I-9 Industrial Area
Across town in the I-9 Industrial Area, Soup Point is known for a heartier, homestyle offering. Under a simple tin shade, families and workers huddle with steaming cups and chat between sips.
“I had heard a lot about this spot, and today I finally came with my kids,” said Dr. Tayyab, a university professor. “It’s tasty and hygienic, we’re really enjoying it.”
Behind the counter, Muhammad Idrees stirred a large kettle with pride.
“The special thing about Soup Point is that it’s homemade and natural. In busy times we sell a kettle every 10 to 15 minutes and each kettle makes about 100 bowls.”
For long-time customers like Muneeb-ur-Rahman Kiani, the draw is both flavour and memory.
“I’ve been having this soup for the last 12 years,” he said. “It’s authentic and really helps in winter.”
ANZK Soup - Blue Area
In the commercial Blue Area, the ANZK stall carries a family tradition. For two decades their soup was simmered at home before finding its place here, where office workers stop by for a quick, homemade-tasting lunch.
“We prepare it at home. My aunt makes it, and we use good-quality ingredients,” said Jawad Ali, one of the owners. “We’ve been selling it for 20 years and this year we moved it here from our home.”
May Allah keep everyone warm and well this winter - there’s something simple and comforting about sharing a hot bowl and a friendly chat in the cold.
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