Karachi: Eying each other across a stream of traffic, rival Pakistani biryani joints vie for customers, serving a fiery medley of meat, rice and spice that unites and divides South Asian appetites.
Both sell a niche version of the dish, steeped in the same vats, with matching prices and trophies commending their quality.
But in Karachi, where a biryani craze boomed after the creation of Pakistan, it is the subtle differences that inspire devotion.
"Our biryani is not only different from theirs but unique in the world," says restaurateur Muhammad Saqib, who layers his "bone marrow biryani" with herbs.
"When a person bites into it he drowns in a world of flavours," the 36-year-old says.
Across the road, Muhammad Zain sees it differently.
In #Karachi, where a biryani craze boomed after the creation of #Pakistan, the dish's subtle differences inspire devotion
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) September 28, 2023
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