Karachi University, being the biggest educational institution in Pakistan, is more than just a university only known for its academic excellence. It is also a great place to try all the different food they offer. With thousands of students and staff traveling around the campus every day, the food canteens here play an important role in satisfying the cravings of these hungry people and from the oldest canteen with its history, offering new types of items that attract the young generation, to a blend of cuisines from all around the world. It is just safe to say that the food scene is just as diverse as its student population. Entering the university brings the aroma of food coming from different canteens, but concerns about quality and hygiene are raised.
There are a multitude of reasons why the food scene at Karachi University sometimes hits the mark and sometimes falters. The quality of food here isn’t always what students expect. The canteens are filled with students chattering, coming after their classes, drawn in by the tantalizing aromas from different canteens and grabbing their attention, making them eager to try everything from traditional lentils to even quick junk food snacks like burgers, fries, and drinks. Still, the food quality is sometimes a hit or a miss. Students praise their favorite canteen for the flavorful food and the crispy fries. There are a few known spots that are famous for their special items, like the biryani, their stuffed paratha, which has the juiciest chicken, or even the chai. However, the one recurring problem is the inconsistency of the fresh food. “I love the biryani here, but sometimes it’s just too oily,” says a student waiting in line at the popular Chemistry canteen. “And you can just never tell if it’s fresh until you have taken the first bite or if it is cooked enough.”
Indeed, some canteens work hard to get fresh ingredients every day and maintain their standards, while others sometimes fall short by serving stale bread or even overcooked meals like soggy chow-mein, which is not appetizing at all. It is a challenge to maintain the balance of providing fresh food, which is an absolute necessity for the students who, after working so hard, deserve to get something fresh and delicious and something not stale. However, not every vendor makes it to the maintenance mark of this balance. Food at Karachi University isn’t static; it evolves every day, shaping the campus culture and attracting many students who explore different flavors and tastes. The preferences of the young and savvy crowd drive an insatiable demand for fast food like burgers, fries, and wraps. These options are everywhere, and students just can’t get enough of this junk food. Vendors are also bringing in inclusivity by experimenting with traditional and modern flavors. For example, simple spicy noodles just don’t do it for them anymore; they have introduced some spicy noodles with a Desi twist and parathas filled with cheese inside, and with the addition of these bombastic dishes, the vendors have successfully captured the attractions of the students who are always keen to try different flavors and foods.
Diverse Food Options
While the demand for these types of foods is rising, some students also want healthy options. As fitness trends grow, so does the desire for lighter and more nutritious meals. Salads, simple grilled sandwiches, and fresh juices are winning the show for health freaks. Fresh juices are a necessity in the scorching heat from May to September, filling the students with a cool chill. As soon as winter arrives, the demand for Kashmiri chai and coffee increases, while chilled lemonade remains the staple of summer. You can never forget the traditional one-bite samosas that are so famous at Karachi University. These traditional snacks, like pani puri, chaats, samosas, and chai, will always remain unbeatable compared to junk food. The allure of them is something entirely different. “There’s something about a cup of chai that feels like home,” says one of the students enjoying her lunch.
Hygiene Concerns
Besides all the benefits and the amazing food that these canteens serve, there is one sore point in KU’s food culture, which, as anyone could expect, is hygiene. It’s no secret that these canteens operate below the acceptable cleanliness standards, and students are quick to point out some most common complaints about unwashed utensils. As a student at the university, I’ve encountered many plates and glasses that are rinsed in murky water and reused without proper cleaning, which is a non-acceptable compromise regardless of how delicious the food is. Another concern is uncovered food; snacks are often left exposed. Flies at Karachi University are quick to swoop in and claim the food for themselves. Improper disposal is a common sight, with overflowing trash bins near food stalls, which isn’t pleasant at all. “I’ve seen rats camping near the dumpsters.” One student confessed, “It’s disgusting, but where else can we eat on campus?” Surely, the students have no choice but to keep eating at these canteens. Occasional inspections by university authorities regarding hygiene don’t seem to make a significant difference, especially when other universities maintain better hygiene standards.
The food scene at KU wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its legendary old canteen, which is Sufi Canteen. “I’ve been coming here since my father was a student at KU,” said a nostalgic alumni visiting the campus. “The taste of ‘daal chawal’ is the same.” The updated infrastructure and the struggle to keep up with modern trends have made some of these canteens lose a bit of their charm. Still, their prices keep students coming back, even though some new outlets offer better hygiene and a wider variety.
Economic Aspects
Running a canteen at Karachi University isn’t an easy gig. It’s a small service but can be quite profitable, with some vendors earning over a lakh a month. The demand is never-ending, providing a steady stream of customers due to low costs, rent and utility expenses. For instance, fried snacks are never too pricey, but there is plenty of competition from new food stalls with the old-timers. Vendors are stepping up their game with innovative menus and better presentations to attract the latest generation of students. Although, inflation makes it tough to keep prices low without sacrificing quality. Hygiene concerns still linger, which can drive students away. Despite these challenges, the canteen business at KU is still profitable with everyday sales.
Karachi University and its canteens can do a lot better if they pay attention to these concerns, act on them, and listen to the students’ complaints about what things could be focused on to make the overall experience better and enjoyable.
BY: Hafsa