[VIDEOS] Mark Wiens in Pakistan

[Nostalgic]

I saw an episode of Bourdian where he went to Quebec I think and he went to one of the Pakistani restaurants in Quebec and guess what he tried??? you guessed it! Donkey Nihari!

I found the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLEFnBTQPME

It wasn't a Pakistani restaurant per se, it was a Pakistani sous chef at a restaurant owned by one of Bourdain's colleagues.

 

[Nostalgic]

As for Chief, yes it still exits and it is a classic. I have so many memories of eating their burgers from the 90s. I really am sad you don't like them that much but you are lucky because there is nothing and I mean nothing in america that replicates the flavor of Chief.

Man Peshawer is some city.

Actually I've only had Chief's once. I've been to Peshawar a few times, so when I heard that there was a place serving Chapli Kebab burgers, I had to try it, because I used to daydream about owning a Pakistani fusion restaurant someday, and the piece de resistance was to be a Chapli Kebab burger. I was initially dismayed to discover someone had beaten me to it, but on the next trip to Peshawar I knew I had to try it. I'm sure Chief's Chapli Kebab burger is great, its just that the one time I had it, it didn't live up to the expectations I had. Like I said, I'm sure that was just an off day. Maybe I had showed up on a "meatless" day, which happens at least once a week in Pakistan.

That trip to Chief's was memorable otherwise, because eating there at the same time as us were Fasi Zaka, Sarmad Ghafoor and Zeeshan Perwez, and I got to say hello to them.

Peshawar is indeed a fascinating city. There's a palpable Central Asian feel to it, which I love.

 

[Slog]

Recently some of the great spots inn burns road were removed due to the anti encroachment drive. I hope the made it there before that
[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=69813]sarfraz[/MENTION]ian92 is it true that Ghaffar was bulldozed?

 

[TM Riddle]

He went to one of the many, many fake charsi tikka shops. They are not fake because they are inferior to the original, but rather because they have nothing to do with chars.

The legendary charsi died generations ago, but his name lives on.

They did a good job overall, but he missed out on Baba Wali pulao (or any of the multiple fake ones). Atherosclerosis on a plate, but worth it.

This cracked me up.

 

[TM Riddle]

i'll check em out, i'm getting married in peshawar like next summer

Congratulations!

 

[Mamoon]

He is prone to hyperbole, but there are degrees of enthusiasm he displays: if he simply nods his head and makes a general comment about the dish, you can assume it wasn’t necessarily all that great. If he laughs, it means it has pleasantly surprised him. If he rolls his eyes up with what can only be described as an orgasmic look on his face, it means the dish was spectacular. The Chapli Kebab comments, which were accompanied by both the laugh and the eye roll, suggests he really did think it was the best kebab he’s ever had.

I had to agree when he said no burger patty would ever match up to the magnificence of a chapli kebab. There used to a Peshawar fast food place called Chief’s, where you could theoretically have the best of both worlds: a Chapli kebab burger. Unfortunately, the one time I tried it, it was lackluster, but it could’ve been a one off. Maybe [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] has eaten at Chief’s on better days.

Chief’s chapli kabab burger is not a classic chapli kabab - it is more of a fusion between a chapli kabab and a regular burger patty. I do not think a classic chapli kabab with bone marrow is going to work on a burger.

Chief is brilliant though - the burgers are great, but the pizzas are out of this world. You can have as many fancy pizzas as you want, but the cravings for a Chief Special Pizza is always there. However, it is not always kind on the stomach, but that is expected.

 

[Sirris]

Reading about chapali kebab I feel like I am missing out on life for never having tasted one. All I remember is as kid feeling a bit wierded out upon hearing the word chapali kebab. I always wondered what it had to do with 'chapls' (=shoes).

 

[Musakhel]

wow so much oil is used, not sure about all that. This is why I consider irani cuisine to be the best, it's like Pakistani food almost but with less oil.

It's actually ghee.

 

[TM Riddle]

It's actually ghee.

Would still kill you though.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

He should come to Rajasthan and try our Dal Bati Churma. He will love it.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He literally says that this is the best kebab he has ever tasted and is the epitome of a meat dish!

Is he prone to hyperbole and is one of those food vloggers for whom every dish he eats is the best he has eaten and never has any criticism? [MENTION=130700]TM Riddle[/MENTION]

Those look insanely good to be fair. Never seen a kebab with rogan incorporated in such a way. I'm feeling hungry now.

 

[CricketCartoons]

He should come to Rajasthan and try our Dal Bati Churma. He will love it.

and bhura gulab jamun for dessert.

 

[TM Riddle]

He should come to Rajasthan and try our Dal Bati Churma. He will love it.

And Laal Maas too.

 

[Syed1]

Recently some of the great spots inn burns road were removed due to the anti encroachment drive. I hope the made it there before that
[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=69813]sarfraz[/MENTION]ian92 is it true that Ghaffar was bulldozed?

I think they demo'ed Waheed nihari and Delhi rabri house because they were encroaching on the sidewalk.... but from what I heard the shops still remain but they have been cut down to size.

 

[Syed1]

Watching the Mardan/Peshawar videos were a delight. Seems like KPK cuisine is meat lovers delight, I've never been but would love to go just for those chapli kababs. Even though we get Peshawari chapli kabab in Karachi but I'm sure they can't hold a candle to the real deal.

Eagerly looking forward to Karachi, food is like Lahore but on steriods.

 

[Rayyman]

This guy better hit Javaids and Biryani Center

 

[Abdullah719]

Recently some of the great spots inn burns road were removed due to the anti encroachment drive. I hope the made it there before that
[MENTION=138254]Syed1[/MENTION] [MENTION=69813]sarfraz[/MENTION]ian92 is it true that Ghaffar was bulldozed?

I believe the shows were recorded earlier so yeah he probably got to those, if it was part of the plan.

Haven't heard anything about Ghaffar, but Waheed was apparently shut down.

 

[imrankhannsu]

I like how he doesnt forget to use the term "Dessy Gee"

 

[Nostalgic]

Gilgit Baltistan! It is fascinating that one can see not only the Central Asian influence in the cuisine, but also an almost Chinese element too.

I should tag [MENTION=146530]DeadBall[/MENTION], just because.

 

[DeadBall]

Gilgit Baltistan! It is fascinating that one can see not only the Central Asian influence in the cuisine, but also an almost Chinese element too.

I should tag [MENTION=146530]DeadBall[/MENTION], just because.

Needs more apricot.

 

[Syed1]

Pakistan is so diverse Mashallah... The food in the GB video I've never even heard off.

 

[Slog]

This is one of my regrets from my GB tour a few years ago

We never really had the local cuisine except for one occasion because every damn restaurant had karahis and the like on their menus.

I guess these local dishes are mostly found in homes?

 

[Mages]

an almost Chinese element too.

Butter tea & momos is more Tibetian.

 

[Nostalgic]

Butter tea & momos is more Tibetian.

Correct, I should’ve used a term more appropriate for that region rather than Chinese, which comes across as lazy and too all-encompassing.

 

[saadibaba]

I saw the Gujranwala video. Superb HD quality video and well produced. I like his enthusiasm but he has pretty much the same reaction after everything he eats which makes one wonder if he is exaggerating it. But the overall vibe of the video reminds me of the early Tony Bourdain shows on the Travel channel. Sadly Bourdain passed away. I so much wanted him to visit Pakistan and try our street food.

Side note: I saw how they made Nihari in Lahore, taking the meet from a separate bowl before serving, instead of cooking it in salan and then adding the salan to it and putting oil on top. Not sure but I'm afraid that will make the nihari meat less flavorful as in my opinion it should be cooked with the salan.

 

[DeadBall]

Side note: I saw how they made Nihari in Lahore, taking the meet from a separate bowl before serving, instead of cooking it in salan and then adding the salan to it and putting oil on top. Not sure but I'm afraid that will make the nihari meat less flavorful as in my opinion it should be cooked with the salan.

They did the same in Karachi too. Thing is they cook the meat with the salan but then take it out so that can ration is better when serving out portions, same with Maghaz Nihari, Nali Nihari etc.

Although in Dubai at Dehli Darbar and other restaurants in the GUlf they used to leave the meat in the salan as portions weren't that big an issue there due to the prices.

 

[Mamoon]

He makes the same face all the time, but you can somehow tell when he is faking/exaggerating it. I don't think he enjoyed the GB cuisine as much as the others, and to be fair, it does not appear very appetising. Apricot oil seems to be their solution to everything.

 

[Nostalgic]

Yes, it does look like he isn’t enjoying the cuisine in GB as much as he did the food in the other regions.

I think there’s to be one more GB episode before he rounds the trip off in Karachi. The intro shows him going up to Khunjerab, and watching some young musicians play, which could well be from the Bulbulik school of music in Hunza.

 

[Azmi]

Butter tea & momos is more Tibetian.

Both these dishes came to Gilgit Biltistan region through Buddhism, which was practised in this area till 16th century.

 

[waqar goraya]

Yes, it does look like he isn’t enjoying the cuisine in GB as much as he did the food in the other regions.

I think there’s to be one more GB episode before he rounds the trip off in Karachi. The intro shows him going up to Khunjerab, and watching some young musicians play, which could well be from the Bulbulik school of music in Hunza.

Yep, saw the intro. May be two more Pakistan videos

When would you come back to get over some of your nostalgia? How long is it been ?

 

[Nostalgic]

When would you come back to get over some of your nostalgia? How long is it been ?

Far too long. Twelve years and counting.

I wonder sometimes though, if and when I do make it back, will it ruin the memories? The past is another country, or so the saying goes.

 

[reversehook]

I am a fan girl of this series.... also, if it hasnt been mentioned here, ppl will love "Living The Dream" channel, this guy hitchhikes through Pakistan and around the world.... his vids are worth a watch, a german guy... these vids are non foodie more cultural and scenic and beautiful...

 

[Suleiman]

Far too long. Twelve years and counting.

I wonder sometimes though, if and when I do make it back, will it ruin the memories? The past is another country, or so the saying goes.

That was profound

 

[Nostalgic]

That was profound

It’s that nagging sense of loss, that overwhelming, enveloping, all-encompassing feeling of a loss of mooring that incessantly gnaws at you, made all the worse by the realization that you’re perhaps better off in America sleepwalking through your reverie colored by memories of times past rather than going back on a doomed quest to find places and people who either aren’t there or have changed beyond recognition.

Landscapes change, like desert sands, grain by grain by grain. And people too. Some have passed away, many have moved on. Perhaps it’s best to keep on stumbling through the reverie rather than disturb the dream. Once shattered, it won’t be possible to piece it back together.

 

[waqar goraya]

12 years is long but not that long to be honest. Yes, some places might be little different and those people might not be available but you will still find plenty of sameness. We still speak same languages, have same climates, wear mostly the same.
And for that little change that has followed you , you should come to see that, for that when you come again after 12 years you could absorb the real change.

Now this thought is already sadly romantic.

 

[Nostalgic]

Gilgit, which as we all know really puts the G in GB... there wasn't much of the local cuisine in the Gilgit episode: most of the food looks very familiar. Also I have been craving apricots for three days, and I was dismayed to not see any apricots or apricot-derived products in this video.

It looks like there's Hunza still to come in the GB leg of the tour.

 

[Nostalgic]

Hunza... of all the GB videos, I liked this the best. The qeema naan/hot pocket looks delicious. I recall an old PTV show called Travel Guide of Pakistan, where the host was repeatedly fed this stuffed bread in Hunza.

 

[midaz]

Hunza... of all the GB videos, I liked this the best. The qeema naan/hot pocket looks delicious. I recall an old PTV show called Travel Guide of Pakistan, where the host was repeatedly fed this stuffed bread in Hunza.

This is by far the best episode of the entire series. Absolutely loved the breathtaking view of Hunza valley, amazing culture, the yummy food and the gracious hosts. Thanks to Mark for showing the real beauty and diversity of Pakistan.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yes, it does look like he isn’t enjoying the cuisine in GB as much as he did the food in the other regions.

I think there’s to be one more GB episode before he rounds the trip off in Karachi. The intro shows him going up to Khunjerab, and watching some young musicians play, which could well be from the Bulbulik school of music in Hunza.

It seems he doesn't have a particularly sweet tooth and hates the cold too.

I'm going to get myself a bottle of apricot oil, google says it has anti-aging ingredients within

 

[Nostalgic]

I'm going to get myself a bottle of apricot oil, google says it has anti-aging ingredients within

I already bought a bottle, to go with the apricot facial scrub. I'll be fighting the ageing from the inside and the outside.

 

[waqar goraya]

I already bought a bottle, to go with the apricot facial scrub. I'll be fighting the ageing from the inside and the outside.

Can a proletariat like myself afford it?

 

[Nostalgic]

Can a proletariat like myself afford it?

Absolutely, the Gilgitis are all proletarians, and they use apricots more than most.

 

[Pakistanian]

That Chapshoro looks so good, I swear that would sell like crazy over here. Would love to try yak meat, must taste like beef.

 

[Mamoon]

You know the food is bland when even Mark is forced to admit explicitly. Hunza is a wonderful place with amazing people, but it appears that there is nothing to look forward to in terms of food.

Every dish looks like an appetizer, and there is a lack of variety as well. Poor guy had to eat the same thing thrice. However, that was expected - after all, it is renowned for its natural beauty, not cuisine.

 

[Pakistanian]

You know the food is bland when even Mark is forced to admit explicitly. Hunza is a wonderful place with amazing people, but it appears that there is nothing to look forward to in terms of food.

Every dish looks like an appetizer, and there is a lack of variety as well. Poor guy had to eat the same thing thrice. However, that was expected - after all, it is renowned for its natural beauty, not cuisine.

chapshoro looks good though, you sound jealous.

 

[Mamoon]

chapshoro looks good though, you sound jealous.

Heh, a Peshawari getting jealous of Hunza food is like an Indian getting jealous of Pakistani batsmen. Hunza cuisine looks nothing compared to the food you find in other parts of the country.

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Saw some videos, that part of Kashmir is amazing! Sad that it's on the other side of border

 

[Pakistanian]

Saw some videos, that part of Kashmir is amazing! Sad that it's on the other side of border

It's not kashmir, that's like calling Ladakh "kashmir".

 

[Nostalgic]

The last of the GB videos. The Pamiris are predominantly found in Tajikistan, but they've always had a presence in the part of Pakistan bordering the Wakhan corridor. The video unfortunately doesn't discuss that, and is in fact much shorter than the other ones, and the food doesn't appear all that different from the rest of GB, with the ubiquitous apricots and the derived oil.

 

[Slog]

Karachi is next. Havent been this excited for a video coming out since I dont know when...

 

[saadibaba]

Karachi is next. Havent been this excited for a video coming out since I dont know when...

I probably will not watch it. The mixed emotions of pride and longing, the nostalgia of it all might make it into an unbearably heartening experience.

 

[waqar goraya]

I probably will not watch it. The mixed emotions of pride and longing, the nostalgia of it all might make it into an unbearably heartening experience.

Now, the temptation will be irresistible.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

You know the food is bland when even Mark is forced to admit explicitly. Hunza is a wonderful place with amazing people, but it appears that there is nothing to look forward to in terms of food.

Every dish looks like an appetizer, and there is a lack of variety as well. Poor guy had to eat the same thing thrice. However, that was expected - after all, it is renowned for its natural beauty, not cuisine.

You actually used the word thrice in there which makes me incredibly proud as a native Brit. Thrice and thruppence sharing a wonderfully British connotation.

 

[Mamoon]

I will most likely head to Karachi in January so I am really looking forward to the next upload.

 

[Nostalgic]

You actually used the word thrice in there which makes me incredibly proud as a native Brit. Thrice and thruppence sharing a wonderfully British connotation.

Which word did he use thrice? I've read his post several times and no word occurred more than twice.

 

[Pakistanian]

You actually used the word thrice in there which makes me incredibly proud as a native Brit. Thrice and thruppence sharing a wonderfully British connotation.

lol how is "thrice" British? It's a common word in America.

 

[CricketCartoons]

lol how is "thrice" British? It's a common word in America.

Don't feed him and derail the nice thread. i don't post in this thread for the same reason.

 

[TM Riddle]

Looking forward to the Karachi episode.
Perhaps the only livable city in Pakistan.

 

[King-Misbah]

Looking forward to the Karachi episode.
Perhaps the only livable city in Pakistan.

Livable? Islamabad is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a lot of things to do.

 

[m.shah]

Just saw his Karachi episode. How badly I want to be in Pakistan right now and taste these foods. Hopefully someday I will come there.

 

[DeadBall]

[MENTION=22846]Nostalgic[/MENTION] [MENTION=2071]saadibaba[/MENTION]

 

[KingKhanWC]

Very good episode in Karachi. Looks an amazing city for food.

Does anyone know the ingrediants they used for the green sauce served with the fish? I find it difficut to find a sauce which compliments fish.

Never tried the bone marrow on biryani, not sure what to think of it. Any fans of it on here?

The salad in Pakistan is much nicer than the salad in England imo apart from the tomatoes which I find more tasty here in the UK. The onions and cuecumbers are so much more juicy and the chillis are incredible.

Nice to see Mark in Pakistani attire. I really can't understand why people in Pakistan wear jeans and shirts in the hot weather when you have perfect clothing available.

 

[namak]

Burns Road and no dining at Waheed? Not a single Bihari Kabab in the episode? How is this Karachi?

 

[Pakistanian]

Nice to see Mark in Pakistani attire. I really can't understand why people in Pakistan wear jeans and shirts in the hot weather when you have perfect clothing available.

Makes more sense to wear shorts and tank tops in that weather.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Burns Road and no dining at Waheed? Not a single Bihari Kabab in the episode? How is this Karachi?

Doesnt this orignally come from India?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Makes more sense to wear shorts and tank tops in that weather.

I always wear shorts in the UK but didn't bother in Pakistan this summer. Somtimes you have to sit in relaxing positions so didnt want to show too much flesh.

I'm surprised his lovely kameez wasnt ruined by all that buffalo milk squirted on him.

 

[Pakistanian]

I always wear shorts in the UK but didn't bother in Pakistan this summer. Somtimes you have to sit in relaxing positions so didnt want to show too much flesh.

I'm surprised his lovely kameez wasnt ruined by all that buffalo milk squirted on him.

That's why you wear compression shorts to hide the honor

The kameez was from JJs so it's gotta be good quality.

 

[namak]

Doesnt this orignally come from India?

Lots of Biharis came in 1947, and then also after 1971 from East Pakistan. Karachi is the "Mohajir" city.

 

[Rayyman]

Damn no bun kebab

 

[saadibaba]

Despite my reservations, I ended up watching the much anticipated Karachi video and yes it was great. A lot more could have been covered also personally I don't think that was an accurate description of Karachi street food. Nalli Biryani, Fish Kata-kat, that weird Arabic fried paratha thingie...all good but not sure if the episode's main focus was on representing the odd street food or covering the most popular street food in Karachi. That being said, its almost impossible to judiciously cover the street food of any big city in 30 mins let alone a mega-city like Karachi. Still, why the hell would anyone go to Bhains colony is still a mystery to me. Kudos to Mark for being such a good sport.

 

[Mamoon]

Easily the most underwhelming episode of the trip so far. I am not from Karachi and haven’t been there since 2011, but even I feel that it didn’t do justice.

 

[saadibaba]

Easily the most underwhelming episode of the trip so far. I am not from Karachi and haven’t been there since 2011, but even I feel that it didn’t do justice.

I think its the handlers fault. Mark and co. are highly dependent on them and not being from a Travel or Food channel, one cannot ask for the best most experienced handlers. Its probably all depends on connections. The guy who carried him around probably just took him to his own personal favorite places. Still, street food is street food. I'm not fussing much over it. Karachi is just too damn big and diverse for anyone to cover.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Easily the most underwhelming episode of the trip so far. I am not from Karachi and haven’t been there since 2011, but even I feel that it didn’t do justice.

as a non pakistani, the karachi episode was the worst. other episodes had something exotic and something to discover, but this one felt like any dirty street in an indian city with unhygienic food and street urchins.

 

[Mamoon]

I think its the handlers fault. Mark and co. are highly dependent on them and not being from a Travel or Food channel, one cannot ask for the best most experienced handlers. Its probably all depends on connections. The guy who carried him around probably just took him to his own personal favorite places. Still, street food is street food. I'm not fussing much over it. Karachi is just too damn big and diverse for anyone to cover.

True. That Arabic bread and the vegetables cart were unnecessary. They are probably good, but I am sure there are much better options available.

The nali biryani was great, but the other roadside biryani seemed a bit random to me. They should have gone to a more renowned biryani place.

The buffalo stuff was utterly ridiculous though. Completely pointless, and I am surprising that Mark and his hipster friend even agreed to that.

 

[TM Riddle]

as a non pakistani, the karachi episode was the worst. other episodes had something exotic and something to discover, but this one felt like any dirty street in an indian city with unhygienic food and street urchins.

Felt like Uttar Pradesh to tell you the truth.

 

[Pakistanian]

I don't know much about Karachi but I was expecting him to visit the beach lol.

 

[Waseem]

I have lost count of how many Pakistanis are either travelling to Pakistan or intending to travel after watching his videos, he is a real star these days.

 

[waqar goraya]

Very good episode in Karachi. Looks an amazing city for food.

Does anyone know the ingrediants they used for the green sauce served with the fish? I find it difficut to find a sauce which compliments fish.

Never tried the bone marrow on biryani, not sure what to think of it. Any fans of it on here?

The salad in Pakistan is much nicer than the salad in England imo apart from the tomatoes which I find more tasty here in the UK. The onions and cuecumbers are so much more juicy and the chillis are incredible.

Nice to see Mark in Pakistani attire. I really can't understand why people in Pakistan wear jeans and shirts in the hot weather when you have perfect clothing available.

This is a combination of green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt and a sauce made from dried plum ( aloo bukhara ).

Dried plums and tamarind (if you want it sour) are cooked in water for a while, then ground green chilies, coriander and mint leaves are added into this sauce. Or you can pour a little sauce in the grinder and crush all the green ingredients in it.

 

[KingKhanWC]

This is a combination of green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt and a sauce made from dried plum ( aloo bukhara ).

Dried plums and tamarind (if you want it sour) are cooked in water for a while, then ground green chilies, coriander and mint leaves are added into this sauce. Or you can pour a little sauce in the grinder and crush all the green ingredients in it.

Interesting ,thanks. I usually only eat Masala fish, as long as it's not too hot it sounds lovely to go with it.

 

[DeadBall]

This is a combination of green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, salt and a sauce made from dried plum ( aloo bukhara ).

Dried plums and tamarind (if you want it sour) are cooked in water for a while, then ground green chilies, coriander and mint leaves are added into this sauce. Or you can pour a little sauce in the grinder and crush all the green ingredients in it.

You forgot Zeera.