Karachi Eat is about to open its doors once again to the city. Food lovers are looking forward to some food adventures, culinary experiments, and a weekend full of all out fun, fun, fun.
However, did you know that the festival not only caters to the city’s food-deprived(?) citizens who love every bit of the food time they get, Karachi Eat also caters to a very important section of our society – the food entrepreneurs who invest their time, effort, savings and hopes in starting up a food stall that they hope will culminate into something really meaningful, something that might even give them a steady means of income, something that might become their primary source of income over their lifetime! How’s that for motivation?
Every year, many small business start up with a hope to make it big, but a high proportion close down due to lack of funds, resources, or too much competition. Here are the Fantastic 5 who actually did it make it work for them – so every time you decide to attend a Festival such as Karachi Eat, you should know that you have contributed to their success!
1. Sweet Escape – Jolly Rancher Candy Floss
First up is the sweetest story of all when Sweet Escape brought some sugar to our city with Candy Floss. You would think this sugar high is nothing new, but the brand has captured the sweet tooth lovin’ city slickers in Karachi. We want to have their candy and eat it too – which led to the success of the start up!
Sweet Escape launched in 2019. 3 Foodie partners who had a gut feeling that they can be successful in marketing candy to a city that thrives on trying the next best thing!
“We sold out at Karachi Eat 2019, the encouragement only came after the festival. We thought of starting operations at Dolmen Mall Clifton the same year. “
“Our Karachi Eat experience in 2019 was so encouraging, a lot of people trying out for the first time requested us to open an outlet”. – Message from the founders
2. Steak by CFU
Next up on no. 2 – these mouth-watering Steaks have hit our taste buds hard and they’re not leaving the party anytime soon! Steak by CFU participated in Karachi Eat 2019.
Steak by CFU celebrate their first anniversary. They have an outlet in Karachi now and say they have come a long way since they started out.
“There was no concept of aging meat in Pakistan. We were hoping we would hit success because it was never done before.”
“Karachi Eat really helped us a lot. We started out as a hole in the wall. We grew with time. I am a private banker by profession. We had many obstacles setting up the business, the biggest obstacle was aging the meat, and getting that right!”
“Karachi Eat is a great platform to start something new. Our stall was booming last time at the festival. You have to take baby steps to test yourself and your product when you are a newbie. Karachi Eat is the right platform to do that.” – Message from the founders
Steak by CFU unfortunately will not be participating in Karachi Eat 2020.
3. Tacocat
Tacos anyone? Yes, the cat’s out of the bag and very much painting the town a red! This time they’re coming up with a new concoction – Mexican Street Food – Taco El Pastor
“We wanted our own restaurant and decided to test grounds at the Karachi Eat. Luckily it was a success.”
“Karachi Eat was our first platform and through that we were able to gauge that Karachi was ready for its first Taqueria. Mexican restaurants have never done well before in our market for some reason”.
“I think we had to put our personal life on hold for a year. Started saving up which meant no travel and major budgeting. Towards the opening of our shop we were completely broke because everything was put into the shop.”
“But we knew it everyday that this is something that we wanted.“
Advice for newbies: Be passionate about it, start small, work hard, organize food tastings, try something you think is different and you love – you have to be hands on – till you don’t make people try it, you will not know what’s your star product!” – Message from the founders.
Tacocat is bringing Taco El Pastor to Karachi Eat – The dish originated in Lebanon and was brought to Mexico – surprise ingredient? Pineapple and lots of meat! This dish is not on the menu at the restaurant, so something special coming up only for Karachi Eat 2020!
4. Social Hub
Social Hub offers Matka Chai – the best in town say the reviews on their page. But it’s not just about chai, their twisted naan is supposed to be awesome too!
The outlet hosted a flock of customers in 2019 at Karachi Eat and the’re ready to go yet again in 2020!
“Best matka chai and some great tasting snacks.” This isn’t a prediction, it’s a spoiler. Find the best Matka Chai at Karachi Eat Festival from The Social Hub, at Stall 113. Keep munching, and keep enjoying our Chai from 10-12 January. ” – Social Hub
5. Awesamosas Nacho Chat
“Danial was excited to bring the awesomeness of Awesomasas to Karachi Eat.”
They launched the unique brand at #LahoreEatFestival and brought it to #KarachiEatFestival in 2018!
We’re not sure if they’re going to be there in 2020, but you can make a beeline for the store if you spot them for some Awesome samosas and nacho Chat in the cool Karachi breeze!
So next time you step out to Karachi Eat, good to know that when you eat good food, you are actually supporting someone who started off in a tiny kitchen, with helpers as family and friends and a dream to make it work!
