Wasim Akram calls Karachi food more diverse than Lahore

The legendary fast bowler says he felt qualified to comment on the debate due to his long association with both cities

KARACHI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 8^th, 2026) Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has stepped into the long-running Karachi versus Lahore food debate, saying Lahore is known for its traditional culinary heritage while Karachi stands out for its wide variety of cuisines shaped by cultural diversity.

In a video message shared on his social media platforms, the legendary fast bowler said he felt qualified to comment on the debate due to his long association with both cities.

“I have been seeing this Karachi and Lahore food debate everywhere on social media. It has become quite intense,” Akram said.

“I lived 42 years in Lahore—I was born there, so I am a Lahori. But I have also spent the last 14 years in Karachi. I think I can fairly settle this discussion,” he added.

His remarks came in response to comments by former Federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, who had favoured Lahore’s cuisine over Karachi’s, arguing that Lahore’s food culture carries deeper historical value.

Chaudhry had said that while Karachi offers decent food, Lahore’s culinary identity is rooted in generations-old eateries and traditions, giving it a stronger “heritage value” in his view.

Responding to those remarks, Akram questioned Chaudhry’s experience of Karachi’s food scene and shared his own observations from recent visits to Lahore during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season.

“A friend of mine, Fawad Chaudhry, said Karachi food is just okay. But I wonder which Karachi he has visited,” Akram remarked.

“I recently went to Lahore during the PSL final and revisited some of my old favourite spots, especially in Gulberg. I tried traditional dishes, but to be honest, everything felt extremely spicy,” he added.

Akram acknowledged Lahore’s iconic food outlets, mentioning well-known traditional dishes such as nihari and paye, but stressed that Karachi’s strength lies elsewhere.

“There is no doubt Lahore has famous places like Waris Nihari and Phajjay ke Paye, and the taste is excellent,” he said.

“However, Karachi is different. It is a city of multiple cultures—Pashtuns, Baloch, Punjabis, and many others—and that diversity is clearly reflected in its food.”

He added that Karachi offers a broader culinary range compared to Lahore, where, according to him, the trend has shifted toward heavier use of spices.

“In Karachi, you can find almost every type of cuisine in one place. That variety is what makes it special,” he said.

Commenting on Lahore’s famous food street near historic landmarks, Akram said he noticed a change in taste during recent visits.

“Even at the food street near Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort, the food felt overly spicy. We grew up with Lahori food, but now it seems dominated by extra chillies and cream,” he noted.

Concluding his remarks, Akram said both cities have their own strengths but tilted the balance in favour of Karachi.

“If I sum it up, Lahore’s food is good, but Karachi offers much more variety,” he said with a smile. “Now people can come after me for saying this.”