Zubair Qureshi
In line with the common perception that politicians love to ‘eat’ and eat they pretty well, a restaurant offers public unique opportunity to know about eating habits of their favourite political leaders. Opened recently in the federal capital and themed on the myths and realities attached to politicians’ eating habits, their political philosophy and popular slogans about them the restaurant is enjoying an increasing popularity in the federal capital.
An art mural decorated with caricatures of well-known leaders of different political parties, former president Asif Ali Zardari, ex-PM Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Allama Tahirul Qadri, Asfandyar Wali, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and others greets you upon entrance.
Under their caricatures, are inscribed oft-quoted slogans (though in twisted form) associated with them. For Instance “Roti Tukkar Khappy” is written next to the caricature of Zardari.
Asif Ali Zardari’s slogan “Pakistan Khappy” became a popular slogan at a time when there was talk of Pakistan dismemberment after the assassination of his wife former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.
The menu section under ‘Roti Tukkar Khapay’ offers almost the same dishes that are favourite with Pakistan’s former president Asif Zardari: daal (pulses), vegetable and chickpeas
The chicken section ‘Murghi ko Izzat Do’ is dedicated to former Prime Minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and contains almost all the popular chicken recipes.
A very appropriate selection is that of religious party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the desserts section.
The selection has been made keeping in view the common public perception that religious leaders are usually fond of eating sweet particularly halwa (a common sweet dish in the sub-continent).
While talking to Pakistan Observer on Wednesday, the proprietor of the restaurant M Yahya Khan Sadozai said the federal capital is the hub of political activity and all about big political icons.
“As part of the food industry, we understand people are interested about their leaders’ likes and dislikes and eating habits,” he said adding Kapital Kitchen presented a lavish menu that not only matches our politician’s taste buds but will take you for a spins too.
Yahya is a Masters in Advertising & Publicity Design from Department of Fine Arts University of Peshawar and has used his creative skills on the walls of the restaurant.
The theme of this restaurant is not conventional and the approach is to make it exciting for public so they can discuss their leaders on lighter note. However, Yahya asserted the guests in his restaurant will be requested to discuss their leaders’ eating habits and likes and dislikes but not politics.
A local trader Aslam Mian who had come with his family for dinner at the Kapital Kitchen said his children liked the art mural and took selfi there.
“Besides tasty food and friendly ambience the restaurant also offers interesting glimpse of politicians’ eating preferences,” he said.
