ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As the winter season is touching its peak, the demand for fried fish, the most favourite item of season, has been increased in federal capital and other parts of the Country.
The fish stalls were crowded with the men, women and children who come to these outlets to hit the cold with the dish of fish. Usually, fish is favorite dish of everyone but it becomes more popular in the winter season.
Various kinds of fish including Mushka, Simon, Pamphlet, Mahsher, Black Raho and Lobsters are being served at the stalls and outlets.
Nadeem Iqbal who owns one of these fish stalls and has been in the business for the past 12 years, explained that while fish is available for most of the year, his business peaks in winter.
“I earn three to four times the usual amount in winter as people prefer to eat fried fish owing to its affordability,” he added.
Another fish vendor Numan Alim, said, “We receive many orders from the people during the day, some want deep-fried fish, some prefer ‘tawa machi’.
However, he pointed out that apart from these mainstays, there were a few new trends out there driving increasing customers.
“Grilled and baked fish is the new craze,” he said.
A fried fish seller, Basit Khan, said, “I have been in this business for the past 26 years. The demand for fish increases every winter, therefore we try to earn a lot to balance our budget.”
“I simply love fried fish with chips and sauce, especially those sold in the open markets because it is fresh and delicious,” said Bina Ali, a customer at one of the fish stalls.
People can also be seen selling fish on bicycles while several vendors have set up makeshift stalls alongside the busy roads where people buy fish.
Medical experts also recommend the consumption of fish, particularly in winter, since it is packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients which can lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
