We are thrilled to announce that Contra Coffee is now open in the heart of Islamabad, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic Margalla Hills. Our team is excited to extend a warmhearted welcome to all the coffee connoisseurs, foodies, and everybody looking for a delightful ambiance. Contra Coffee is not just about taste, but also about aesthetics. At Contra Coffee, we take delight in creating an environment that encourages creativity and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a quiet corner to catch up on work or a serene space to socialize with friends, our place caters to every mood and occasion. Join us at our newest location in E-7 Islamabad and discover why our taste, look, and feel are truly incredible. We look forward to serving you soon! Address: Plot # 5, 1st Floor, Shaheen Market, Street 14, E-7, Islamabad, Pakistan Pin Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f8dZ3GHMqL9CNWDn9Phone: 042-111266872 Website: www.contracoffee.pk

I am offering homemade

- Spätzle German Pasta with Delicious Mushroom Gravy

- Beef Stroganoff

- Chicken Paprikash

For orders, please contact me at the given number: 0345-5210059

The fruits are organic, they are dried without chemicals (and hence do not look as perfect as some of the ones you get in shops) and they are super yummy. It would be great if you could add them to your newsletter because they are not that well-known in Islamabad.

The shop is called North Sip Dry

orders can be placed

via email: northsipdryfruit@gmail.com

via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthsipDryFruits

Best wishes,

Sarah

Dr. Sarah Holz

Institute of Asian and African Studies

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

We ordered gorgeous cheese platters as well as a charcuterie grazing table from this new place @plateaplatter.islamabad run by a couple in Islambad for a dinner party which was delish and also stunning! For our party they did homemade mushroom crostinis, gourmet cheeses, fresh salads from their organic farm and juicy grapes from their vineyard. Highly recommended!

DM them on insta @plateaplatter.islamabad or call/text Tanya at 03335127854 for orders.

After a 2 weeks break abroad, I had the good surprise to notice a new place in F7. Just before leaving, talking with my husband we were a bit disappointed not to have a place to enjoy fresh and tasty juice. And now, there is one in Jinnah Market.

Large choice of fresh juices, shakes and fruit desserts for take away or just to have on their terrace. It is a clean juice bar with efficient staff.

I tasted the banana/dates shake and peach juice; among the best in town!

If you are looking for not overly sweet, high-quality, light baklava, this is the place! I tried many of the baklavas and found them to be light, moist, and not excessively sweet.

I wish the "birds nests" were actually more sweet and moist but maybe they just forgot to poor extra honey on them (they have nice little jugs of honey everywhere).

It's not the cheapest, with all the baklava prices at 2500Rs/Kg, but it's worth it for a special occasion. They are located between the Nadra Office on its right and Loafology on its left.

See their menu here: https://www.facebook.com/baklavabakery.pk

You can order your fresh Italian pasta today!

They have quite a wide choice and they've got interesting flavours such as beetorrot, turmeric or spinach!

Details here: https://www.instagram.com/benchfreshpk/

They deliver on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays only.
Please note: Your order would be made fresh on the day of the delivery.
So we only accept pre-order.
Let them know a day before by 3pm for them to fulfill your order.

Delivery charges PKR 100.

Limited stock available.
If you would like faster service and direct information on current stock and pricing please contact us on Whatsapp @ 03EATLOCAL5 (03328562255)

This is a place I discovered completely by chance, passing by I smelled a delicious whiff of baked goods and I looked down, and there, in the basement, I saw there was a brand new bakery, I went down and discovered this tiny shop that offers a range of brownies: walnut of course, but also with a runny caramel (my favorite) or with almonds. They also have bagels, donuts and a range of breads and cakes. They also deliver and do big orders.

To find them, find the HBL bank in the back of the F10 markaz (on the Sana Safinaz side of Sumbal Road) and then look down, they're in the basement.

https://www.facebook.com/Obrownies1

Pum Is In The Kitchen is Islamabad's only truly authentic Thai cuisine delivered freshly to your doorstep. Many people don't realize that Pum went to the finest culinary school in Thailand - she learned to cook in her mother's kitchen in a small village in NE Thailand. All of our herbs, roots, and so on, are either grown in our garden or brought over from Thailand. Our food is real Thai - totally authentic and very, very 'aroy mak'.

We are very excited to report that all seafood is back on the menu! Pum has also added three new seafood items that we have never before featured. She is doing Larb Pla, which is deep-fried white fish with toasted rice, shallots, chilies and mint. It is very flavorful! Pla Pad Khing is stir-fried white fish with fresh ginger, onions and mushrooms. Pla Sam Rod translates literally to 'three flavored fish'. This is fried fish that is sweet, sour and spicy.

Pumpkins are currently in season, so Pum has added red curry with pumpkin to the menu. It is absolutely delicious, so do please try it out. Click on this link to view our current menu: 2November20.pdf

At Crust n Clusters we continue to bring freshly baked homemade granola in scrumptious flavours to you. Our every recipe is made with pure and premium ingredients to ensure a healthy and power-packed product.
Order now Whatssap: 0332 5999565 or

DM on Instagram @crustnclusters ( https://www.instagram.com/crustnclusters ) or

Email: crustnclusters@gmail.com

Sultan Bakery offers the best baklavas in town. Conversely to other baklavas tasted in Pakistan, they are not too sweet, nor too fat, just perfectly balanced. Super tasty and fine, their taste brought me back to the lovely streets of Istanbul. I order different kinds when I was hosting a party at home, all the guests were amazed by these Turkish delights. Make sure to try the square pistachio baklavas, they are my favorites. Sultan Bakery is available in the diplomatic enclave at Treasures shop and also at G-6 Save mart, G-9 khyber shinwari restaurant and F-11 Shaheen chemist.
However it is even more convenient to use their home delivery service by calling 051 874 3031. The Turkish chef is about to launch more items such as Turkish bread and peynirli börek, I am so eager to try them out and I have no doubt that they will be delicious as well!

Step into the world of timeless treasures at Galleria Antiqua, located in the heart of Super Market, F-6. Discover a curated collection of one-of-a-kind antique pieces, each with its own story and charm. If you're an avid collector, our gallery offers a unique experience, filled with history, artistry, and craftsmanship.

CULINARY TALES FROM BALOCHISTAN by Nilofer Afridi Qazi

this is the first book in a series which Food Maps traditional undocumented recipes from the provinces.

you may purchase by ordering online with free worldwide delivery

https://www.bookdepository.com/Culinary-Tales-From-Balochistan-NILOFER-AFRID-QAZI/9781915025197

Shahid is the best tailor in town. Not the cheapest, but his work is outstanding.

Contact him on 03129896238

He will come to where you are.

Tip no.1 - Avoid Eating/ Drinking in public

While Iftari, the meal when people break the fast as sunset can be a delicious lavish affair, it’s important to remember not to eat when you’re out and about (anywhere but at your place or somewhere you feel confident you won’t be aggravating anyone). This means you should also be discreet if you are sitting in your own car (and don’t have darkened windows). If you’re going on a hike, carry your bottle in a bag and avoid taking a sip when there are other walkers around.

Tip no.2 - Drive just AFTER Iftari rather than just before

Avoid driving for about 15-20 minutes before Iftari. Everyone tends to be in a rush to the point that many people will ignore red lights. One the other hand, driving once the Azaan (call for prayer) has happened, may be one of the most peaceful drives you may have in Islamabad.

Tip no.3 - Be Considerate

Remember that days are lengthening until the 21st of June, which means that everyday people who fast remain thirsty/hungry for a few minutes longer than the previous day. So expect frustration, crazy driving and simply, slower services in general.

Tip no.4 – Don’t miss an Iftari or a Sehri Invitation!

If you are lucky (in these times of Covid) one of your friends/colleagues may invite you for Iftari, don’t miss it, it’s festive and usually really tasty. Make sure you do not put anything in your mouth before everybody is ready to start. You’ll try drinks such as Ruafzah, a pink, milky, rosy drink, and loooots of kinds of dates.

Sehri, on the other hand, consists of a very early meal, before dawn, where the last food/water is to be had before the fast of the new day starts. That can also be an interesting experience, especially on the weekend, just because, often, people who can afford to do so, will remain up all night and have their Sehri before going to bed (thus sleeping a big part of the day.)

DIRECTIONS

​Maps of Islamabad are available from a number of places in the city, most notably Saeed Book Bank in F7.Looking at the may it is clear that Islamabad is built on a grid system. Therefore, it is relatively easy to navigate after you understand the layout. Some things that will help you:The city is split into 2km x 2km blocks as follows, for example:

E11 - - - E8 - E7

F11 - F10 - F9 - F8 - F7 - F6

G11 - H10 - G9 - G8 - G7 - G6 - G5

H11 - H10 - H9 - H8

I 11 - I 10 - I 9 - I 8

Each block is split into four sections as below. They all follow this same pattern.​ Example:

F6/2 | F6/3

F6/1 | F6/4

THE "MARKHAZ"

Most of the blocks have a 'centre' to them. This is called a Markaz and is generally visible on the map. Many people incorrectly refer to them as markets. Whilst in some areas they represent the shopping areas this is not always the case and the represent a central or focus point of the block.

STREET NUMBERS

Within each block the streets are numbered. Names tend to be given only to the bigger/main roads running through or between blocks e.g. Kohsar and Hill Roads or 7th Avenue. Addresses tend to be given in the following format: F7/4 Street 55, House 17. It appears easy and it is once you get used to where you are going and how to get around.

Whilst navigation around the city has been described as easy it is important to note that there are often diversions as a result of works being undertaken – most recently work on the Metro Bus project and the Imran Khan PTI rallies. Consequently, having a map handy is recommended – as stated above, paper maps are available. In addition, Google Maps are relatively accurate and can be downloaded for use offline. There are also a number of other apps available, such as Sygic, that provide good quality, detailed maps for use both on and offline. If in doubt, look for the Margalla Hills to get your bearings.

There are three main roads in Islamabad which run east to west across the city. On the map they have specific names. However, they are known locally as: Margalla Road (Khyban – E – Iqbal) (north), Jinnah Avenue (centre) and Kashmir Road (Khyban – E – Suhrawardy) (south).

Running north to south are the following roads (from W to E): Constitution Avenue, Ataturk Avenue, 7th Avenue, Faisal Avenue and 9th Avenue. These are the main arteries throughout the city and it is worth knowing them. However, please note that they can become very congested at rush hour times during the day.

When driving around most of the lanes are separated from the contra-flowing lane by a central reservation which requires drivers to make a number of U-turns when navigating the city. Do not be surprised when you have to make a sharp right turn to go back on yourself to get to your destination. However, it is important to pay attention to these as it is possible to fail to notice someone slowing to make a U-turn. Similarly, if you are about to do so, ensure that provide sufficient warning by indicating early and decelerating slowly.

There are a number of options for getting around Islamabad: taxi and the Metro Bus. However, the safest, most reliable and most straightforward is driving. Acquiring a car is relatively easy:

• Hiring a Car - There are a number of hire car companies. You may require approval from your relevant employer/sponsor as to which company to use. Most of the companies accept cash payments for the hire on a monthly basis. It is worth considering how you pay for the hire as you do not necessarily want to be carrying around large amounts of cash if it is not necessary.
• Buying a car - Most sales are private sales. The 4 wheel drive cars that are favoured by ex-pats do tend to hold their values so don't be shocked when you see a really old Shogun for sale for the same price as a new one in the UK. The weekly Newsletter usually includes a list of cars available for sale for/by diplomats.
• Cab service - Careem Taxi Company is a cab service app that makes booking cabs in Lahore and Islamabad easy. It's convenient and fairly priced and takes 3 - 10 minutes to arrange a pick-up on average.

Oishii Asian Fusion a great addition in restaurants, you may enjoy the amazing bar with lots of fruit based drinks with spectacular colors. The food is awesome, they have Japanese, Chinese and Thai food, a great mix of 3 cuisines, ranging from Sushi and Tatskis to Chinese like Spicy Black Bean Sauce, Kung Pao, Szechuan, to Thai Yam Sam Krob, Fish with Tamarind Sauce. The small plates are just yummyliscous.

🍕🍔 Introducing Islamabad's Premier Pizza & Smash Burger Food Truck! 🍔🍕

Craving something extraordinary? Look no further than Pizza & Smash — Islamabad's first and only food truck dedicated to delivering the perfect fusion of sizzling smash burgers and mouthwatering pizzas run by a couple!

Why Pizza & Smash?

• Unique Fusion: Experience the best of both worlds with our delectable smash burgers and gourmet pizzas, crafted to perfection.
• Fresh Ingredients: We use only the freshest ingredients sourced locally to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Made to Order: Your meal is prepared fresh right before your eyes, ensuring quality and satisfaction with every bite.

Our Menu Highlights:

• Signature Smash Burgers: Juicy patties, melted cheese, crisp veggies, all sandwiched between toasted buns — a true delight!
• Irresistible Pizzas: From classic Margheritas to bold BBQ Chicken, our pizzas are freshly baked with a crispy crust and generous toppings.
• And many other yummy food such as pasta, zinger, wraps and panini

Perfect for Any Occasion:

• Lunch Breaks: Grab a quick and delicious bite during your busy day.
• Late-night Cravings: We're here to satisfy your hunger whenever you need us!

Find Us Today: Look out for the vibrant Pizza & Smash truck in F10 Markez, Islamabad (Next to Najeeb Pharmacy and Qureshi Meet) , bringing smiles and satisfying cravings one bite at a time.

Follow Us for Updates:

Stay tuned on social media for our latest location, special offers, and more!

📍 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @the.hungrycamper or check us on Foodpanda 📞

Don't miss out on Islamabad's tastiest fusion experience — indulge in Pizza & Smash today! 🍕🍔

SUNNY Kitchen !

New authentic Thai take away servcie, open everyday from lunch until late. Delicious Thai food, and prompoty delivery - we're very happy with it ! Worth a try ! :)