Karachi’s Orangi Town, fondly known as the city’s “Mini Bihar,” recently gained attention in a video by Pakistani food vlogger Sami X Streets. The reel, which has garnered over 800,000 views, highlights the unique Bihari flavors preserved by the local migrant community.
The Instagram video features Tehzeeb Kebab House in Bangla Bazar, where Bihari favorites such as ‘Bihari boti’ and ‘Bihari kebab’ are must-try dishes. As the vlogger captures the enticing and aromatic cooking process, a local vendor proudly declares, “Dekhte hi muh mein pani aa jayega customer ka…” (“Just the sight will make customers’ mouths water”).
This video showcases the rich culinary heritage brought by families from India’s Bihar region, who settled in Karachi after the 1947 Partition and subsequent migration after the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Despite the physical distance, these families have managed to keep Bihari flavors alive through various stalls and eateries, including Tehzeeb Kebab House, which offers puris filled with lentils, biryani, and pulao.
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The video has elicited heartfelt responses from viewers, with many recalling family recipes and expressing a wish to visit Karachi’s ‘Mini Bihar’ for an authentic experience. Comments like “This just brought back memories of my family’s cooking” and “Amazing to see Bihar’s culture thriving in Karachi!” illustrate the shared nostalgia among viewers. Another fan remarked, “Next stop, Karachi! Need to try this.” For many, the reel emphasizes how food can create connections across cultures and borders, with one viewer aptly noting, “It’s incredible how food connects us beyond borders.”