Chicken Yakhni and Corn Soup Bring Warmth to Peshawar Amid Cold Wave
As a biting cold wave sweeps across Peshawar, with rain forecast over the next 24 hours, a familiar sense of warmth and nostalgia is filling the city's streets. This seasonal comfort comes from beloved winter staples: chicken yakhni and chicken corn soup, which have become synonymous with the chilly weather in the region.
Soup Stalls Draw Crowds to Beat the Chill
All across Peshawar city and cantonment areas, chicken soup and yakhni points are attracting substantial numbers of people. Eager customers stretch out their bowls, seeking relief from the biting cold. Many even request the inclusion of boiled eggs, making the dishes warmer and tastier, as sellers happily accommodate these preferences to enhance the experience.
Khurshid Khan's Winter Opportunity
For Khurshid Khan, a 45-year-old chicken soup and yakhni seller at Peshawar Cantonment, winter is not just a season but a time of opportunity to earn maximum capital for his family. Standing proudly at Fawara Chowk, Khurshid shares how the cold weather revitalizes his business. "I came out of home at 4 p.m. with 10 kilograms of soup and yakhni made of 10 native chickens, and all sold by 9 p.m. The demand for the soup spikes dramatically as the chill sets in," Khurshid explains, as he instructs his two laborers to serve steaming bowls of this winter delight to eager customers.
A Scene of Connection and Comfort
The scene at his soup stall is a familiar one in Peshawar, where people gather in the cold to enjoy the warmth and comfort of freshly made soup. Amidst the cold wave, they exchange views on day-to-day affairs, creating a sense of community. The rich aroma of the soup, prepared with native chickens, ghee, and special sauces, fills the air, drawing in a steady stream of customers of all ages. This soup is not only a source of comfort but also a means of connection, as people swap stories and discuss their lives while sitting on traditional Charpayees at Qisakhwani.
Family Tradition and Legacy
Khurshid's soup business is deeply rooted in family tradition. He inherited the craft from his late grandfather, who was known for his skill in preparing this beloved winter dish. "I am proud to carry forward my grandfather's legacy from the pre-partition era. The soup recipe is special as we use native chickens and ghee, which gives it a unique taste. The special sauces add a burst of flavour, making it a perfect dish for the season," he says with pride, highlighting how these culinary traditions have been passed down through generations.
As Peshawar braces for more cold weather, these winter staples continue to play a vital role in bringing warmth and joy to the city's residents, blending taste with tradition in every steaming bowl.
