As soon as the highest meals pageant, this 12 months’s version completely did not match expectations
Karachi Eat as soon as thought to be the town’s most enjoyable meals pageant, got here below sharp criticism this 12 months. Regardless of months of hype, the expertise fell brief for a lot of attendees.
From petty thefts and arguments to lengthy walks throughout scattered sections, guests shared their frustration. Meals lovers felt let down, whereas those that got here primarily for live shows loved themselves. For a lot of, the occasion felt extra like a music pageant than a meals one.
Attendance on the primary day appeared modest, however crowds surged on the second and third days. Whereas congestion was excessive, services weren’t. Throughout Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, most movies circulating in regards to the pageant carried a essential tone.
One other main grievance was the venue itself. With little or no grass in sight, the park become a dusty house as soon as the crowds constructed up. The distances between sections had been tiring, and plenty of argued {that a} fundamental leisurely stroll ought to have been doable however wasn’t.
Karachi Eat has lengthy been identified for ingenious meals, however this 12 months the choices proved disappointing. “We sit up for Karachi Eat yearly, however this time nothing felt new,” one attendee instructed The Categorical Tribune. “It was the identical corndogs, the identical sizzling pots, and the identical Creek Stroll dishes. No new concepts, no innovation, every thing was repetitive.”
In comparison with earlier editions, there have been fewer meals stalls. The extra engaging ones had been these serving loaded fries, creamy burgers, Lahore-style tawa hen, or khausa, but many guests appeared extra inclined to movie content material than to eat.
“We come yearly with our household, however this time it was fairly disappointing,” one other customer mentioned. “No new objects. Half the issues are the identical as Creek Stroll. Selection simply wasn’t the identical.”
Costs additionally drew complaints. Parts had been small and prices excessive, with many arguing the meals was merely not definitely worth the mark-up.
If the meals and logistics did not impress, the live shows largely saved the pageant. Performances by Asim Azhar, Havii, Hasan Raheem, Ashir Wajahat, and Samar Jaffri drew pleasure, and amusement rides made their first look this 12 months.
However movies of fights and arguments additionally went viral, including to the notion of weak safety. There have been too few seating choices, lengthy distances to cowl, and a basic lack of coordination leaving many to really feel the pageant required endurance somewhat than providing leisure.
Karachi Eat 2026 was not an entire flop, nevertheless it did fall in need of the requirements it as soon as set. The pageant nonetheless attracts crowds and social media hype naturally, but fundamentals like group, security, affordability, and luxury had been missing. For some, mud, chaos and crowds have turn out to be a part of the Karachi Eat expertise. For others, it’s sufficient cause to assume twice earlier than returning subsequent 12 months.
Be aware: Regardless of a number of makes an attempt to contact the Karachi Eat administration for remark, they didn’t reply.
