A Pakistani food vlogger, Sami X Streets, recently guided viewers on a culinary tour of Karachi's Orangi Town, often referred to as the city’s ‘Mini Bihar.’ In an Instagram reel, he showcased a local spot called Tehzeeb Kebab House in Bangla Bazar, highlighting popular Bihari dishes such as Bihari boti and Bihari kebab that have gained a loyal following.
As the camera pans to the fried puris, a man quips, “Dekhte hi muh mein pani aa jayega customer ka…” (“Just the sight will make the customers’ mouths water”). The Bihari flavours in Karachi come with a rich history. Like many others, the man's family members featured in the story originally came from Bihar, India. After the 1947 Partition, they first moved to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and then to Pakistan following the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
Even though they are far from their homeland, these families have preserved their culinary traditions by establishing stalls and eateries. Bangla Bazar in Orangi Town has gained recognition for its selection of Bihari specialities, making it a favourite spot for food lovers.
Tehzeeb Kebab House serves dishes like ‘Bihari boti’ and ‘Bihari kebab,’ often paired with puris filled with lentils—a unique local combination. The menu also features biryani and pulao, offering a wide range of authentic Bihari flavours for the community.
The reel has garnered over 800,000 views on Instagram, generating significant interest and appreciation from viewers on both sides of the border. With its enticing visuals and clips featuring local dialect, the video vividly captures the essence of Karachi’s ‘Mini Bihar.’
Needless to say, netizens and foodies took to the comments section to share their appreciation. One viewer commented, “This just brought back memories of my family’s cooking; makes me miss home.” Another said, “Amazing to see Bihar's culture thriving in Karachi!” Someone else noted, “It’s incredible how food connects us beyond borders.”