Peshawar Zalmi- The Zalmi Foodies of HBL PSL

Peshawar, the heart of Khyber Pakhtun Kha, the hub of Pakhtoon cuisine and a city full of rich cultural heritage is home to many of the star cricketers in Pakistan. When we think about the Pakhtoons coupled with cricket, there is one name that pops up in our minds instantly, yes you got it right we’re talking about Shahid Afridi! No discussion about cricket is complete without his mention. Other than boom boom Afridi, Peshawar is home to the great Younis khan and Umar Gul as well. Both of whom have been crucial in the success of many cricket matches for Pakistan.

The PSL team representing Peshawar, also represents the spirit of the city. The name Zalmi means youth in Pashto and it fits so rightly with the city that has suffered so much yet stays forever young. The Peshawar Zalmis are all set to take on the PSL challenge with the following line up: Shahid Afridi (of course), Wahab Riaz, Darren Sammy, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Chris Jordan, Tamim Iqbal , Junaid Khan, Jim Allenby, Aamer Yamin, Dawid Malan, Imran Khan Jr, Shahid Yousuf, Abdur Rehman, Musadiq Ahmed, Hassan Ali, Brad Hodge, Israrullah and Taj Wali

The Pakhtoon culture is one of the oldest and the most persevere. While many civilizations such as the Sikhs, the Buddhists, the Mughals and then the British came and ruled over their area, the Pakhtoon culture maintained its uniqueness throughout.

Whether it’s sports or food, this great nation takes honor and hospitality quite seriously. It is said that even if a stranger makes their way to a Pakhtoon’s house he will not be allowed to leave without a hearty feast.

The Old Qissa Khwani Bazar in the heart of the city tells the tales of the mighty dynasties that made their way to the city yet perished due to the resilience of the Pakhtoon nation. The bazaar is particularly famous for its varieties of Kehwa.

The great code of Pakhtoon Wali influences the way the Pakhtoons enjoy their food as well. Dishes like Painda/Sohbut are built around the idea of people sitting together and eating from one dish. Eateries like the Charsi Tikka still serve food in the traditional Pakhtoon way where the guests are seated on the floor on a carpet with cushions.

The Pakhtoons love red meat and they love it without any extra adages. Peshawar is known for its Karahi Tikka and the scrumptious Chapli Kababs.

The fact that an entire food street in Peshawar i.e Namak Mandi is dedicated to meat delicacies lays down the Pakhtoon claim in the best meat dishes in Pakistan pretty obviously.

The Pakhtoons are a robust nation and that is quite evident from their cuisine as well. With Mutton Tikka made just with a sprinkle of salt (Werta) or the mutton Dum Pukht cooked in animal fat.

They make do with the least of food resources and the best part is that the food turns out to be awesome. Simple cuisine yet scrumptious flavors. However, the Pakhtoons may have a love affair with meat but they also have a long list of vegetarian dishes such as the Burrani and the Bonjan.

They also have a variety of sweet snacks that are unique to the region with flavors that cannot be found anywhere else in Pakistan such as the divine Dervesh and the Kakuri.

Peshawar Zalmi represents one of the most rich and oldest cultures in the world. We sure do hope they bring the Pakhtoon resilience to the cricket ground.

And how can we not give a special shout to Boom Boom Afridi!