10 Things Only A Foodie At NUST Will Understand

Are you a foodie and happen to study at NUST? Well my friend, I’m sure you’re familiar with the struggles and heartbreaks associated with food cravings at this massive campus. The struggle is real, and it’s common for most to accept our fate. Not all is lost though; NUST does have some hope in the form of it’s Concordia cafeterias (C1, C2 and C3). These little islands of goodness have blessed NUSTians over the years with some surprisingly mouthwatering foods. Apart from these, some of the schools’ have cafes that aren’t a total disaster.

Here are ten things only a foodie at NUST can truly understand:

Sarfaraz Bhai ki chai and coffee (NUST Business School)

You can’t attend NBS and not know of Sarfaraz Business Services, or SBS, or simply “Sarfaraz Bhai”. This one-stop-shop does printing, copying, binding, sells food, gives pep talks and also serves some of the best chai and coffee you’re likely to find in the sector (yes, NUST is an entire sector!). Whether you’re from NBS or S3H, you’re sure to have had this legendary chai at least once. It makes you feel warm and safe, makes the weather look even better, and let’s you know that everything is going to be alright before a presentation or exam.

Eating at Concordia instead of at the hostel mess hall

Hostel food is a disgrace. If you’ve been a “hostelite” at NUST you know what I’m talking about. So it’s not surprising that many choose to trek to C1 for their shawarma, to C2 for it’s biryani, or to C3 for it’s excellent chicken tikka instead of that gruel at the mess. But God help you if you’re broke at the end of the month and have nothing but “mess ka khaana”.

The hostel mess on Biryani Day

There is one day however when the mess is flooded: Biryani Day. There is a cacophony of joyful shrieks as everyone barrels toward the mess on this day. So yeah, maybe the mess isn’t all bad.

C3’s food with a “Mini Monal” view

Affectionately referred to as “Mini Monal” because of it’s surprisingly serene view from a height (a discount version of the view and food you get from the real Monal), C3 has been the place to be between classes or when you need a moment of zen. It’s a great place to hangout and eat. The food here is really good, including their biryani, chai, chicken tikka, chicken boti with paratha or a simple daal roti.

Having food delivered to the campus

If you’re a legit foodie and NUST stops feeding you the good stuff, you’re going to want to order in. But it’s a pain to get out to the external gates of this giant campus to receive your order. Getting to Gates 3 and 10 are quite the ordeal when you don’t have a car. “NUST pohanchne se dus minute pehle bata dein, dus minute gate tak pohanchte, pohanchte lag janay hain…” you say to every delivery guy.

The excellent C2 cafe

All of us sighed with collective relief the first time we visited the newly built cafe at Concordia 2. On top of a great bygone days theme and subdued lighting, the place has some amazing food, including Afghani burgers, tacos, shawarmas and delicious sweets from MJ’s. It’s rare to go to a place and feel comforted just by seeing all the lovely eatables.

Picture source: Sarah Ansari

The strawberry shake at C3

Yeah, more good stuff about C3 – they serve a heavenly strawberry shake at the start of every summer. During this glorious time, many NUSTians start their day with a chilled strawberry shake… and also end their day with it.

The debate over which Concordia has the best food

Regular students at NUST prefer the Concordia closest to their school. Foodies however, make the effort to go to the one they think has the best food. There has been a war of opinions over the quality of C1 versus C2. Till now, C2 has come out on top because of it’s relatively better hygiene (keyword: relative).

The NUST Dhaba (aka C4)

The now famous container dhaaba near SNS is so popular that it’s been given the honorary title of C4. This place serves the yummiest homemade food at reasonable prices – it’s no wonder it’s becoming so popular. Schools that are near the dhaaba have made it their regular meal spot.

Last but not least… C1 kay French fries

When it’s raining heavily and you’re craving for some French fries, you just know you’re going to end up at C1. This Concordia has, without doubt, the best French fries on campus. To top it off, they also have some amazing dips!