“Asi Kasuri, sadi zaat Kasuri, asi vich Kasur day rehn walay”. This is a popular saying by Baba Bulleh Shah, who belonged to the area. These words are often heard on the outskirts of his shrine in Kasur. Great cities attract great people, and the same can be said for my home town Kasur. It is one of the most ancient cities in the country, and a holy grail for those who, like me, have in interest in theology, music, great food and beautiful architecture.
The city is surrounded by 17 Gurduwaras; congregation points for Sikh worshipers. As a kid, I remember taking a trip to each of these with my grandfather. As I grew up and took a liking to taking photographs, I have always been intrigued by these buildings and their breathtaking architecture. Kasur may be famous for being the hometown of many icons in the history of Pakistan, including the ever-famous Madam Noor Jehan. But for a true foodie, the value of the food items in the city is something that cannot be measured. The city is famous for its special delicacies, like the Kasuri Andrassi, Kasuri Methi (Herb), Kasuri Falooda and most of all – Kasuri Tawa Machli (panned fish).
Kasur Tawa Machli! Ah, what memories the very name brings. Living in Lahore nowadays, I have had the best of fried fish in Pakistan. But none can beat the aroma and the taste of the tawa machli in Kasur.
The fish stalls in Kasur, in particular, are located in a small market called ‘Kot Badar Deen’, located in the main city market near Circular Road. The fish stalls are heavily crowded from Friday to Sunday. People cannot wait to get their hands on tawa machli.
One of the oldest fish vendors in Kasur is Shiekh Javed. His shop, ‘Nawiyan Galiyaan’, is located in the narrow streets of the city. It is believed that he adds a special ingredient to his fish, and that customers must wait for more than two hours after placing an order at his shop. He has been selling fish in the area since the 1980s. Eating the fish leaves a latent heat effect in your mouth, and an after-taste that lingers on your tongue. 
Eating the fish – surrounded by the vitality of Nawiyan Galiyaan and the Kasuri air and the nostalgia of my childhood – was one of the best experiences of my life.
I would recommend every foodie to pay a visit to Kasur at least once in their life, and prepare to be mesmerized by its wonders.
Ahmer Shiekh
A business student and an avid photographer. I am a foodie belonging to Kasur and living in Lahore, tow of the biggest food hubs in Pakistan. I have a fetish for taking good pictures and have my own photography studio i.e Candid Panoramas.
