Bun kebab (Urdu: بَن کباب) or anda shami (Urdu: انڈا شامی) is a sandwich that originated in Pakistan, but is now popular all throughout the Indian subcontinent. Bun kebabs are a signature in Pakistani metro cities like Karachi and Lahore, but they can be found all over Pakistan.[1] Bun Kebab vendors are scattered all across Karachi, vendors on Burns Road being particularly famous,[2] and imitated by frozen bun kebabs sold in South Asian supermarkets across the world.[3] In India, it is eaten as a regular street food, specifically, in the Indian cities of Bhopal, Lucknow, and Hyderabad; it is especially popular with Indian Muslims, the dish is eaten late-night during Ramadan. Bun kebabs are usually sold from roadside stalls, side street vendors, and fast food restaurants.[4] They are also commonly known as anday wala burger.[5] A ‘fried’ version of the bun kebab is popular in Lahore, known as ‘bun plaster’ due to copious amounts of butter and super tender or paste-like kebab mixture used in it. Bun kebabs are usually eaten as a main course or snack.[1]

Bun Kebab
A typical Bun Kebab with ketchup and chutney
CourseMain course
Place of originPakistan, Karachi
Region or stateIndian subcontinent
Associated cuisinePakistani
Serving temperatureHot
Main ingredientsBuns, shami kebab, eggs, vegetables
Burns Road style Bun Kebab on sale in Jackson Heights, Queens

Ingredients edit

A bun kebab consists of a shallow-fried spicy patty called shami kebab, onions, and chutney. The chutney is made up from tamarind (imli), salt, cumin powder, whole red chillies, and/or raita in a bun. The bun is grilled on the pan.

Bun kebab patties are typically composed of ground beef or mutton, ground lentils, powdered cumin seeds, and an egg batter. Although they can be vegetarian. The patties are fried in ghee or oil. A bun kebab can also be served with a fried egg or omelette[4] and topped with tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions.[1]

Variations edit

The patty, shami kebab, can be made of chicken, beef, mutton, potato (aloo wala), egg (anday wala), or lentil (daal).[1] The beef and egg recipe is the most popular, especially among street vendors.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Narwani, Deepa. "Street food for the soul". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2019-01-12.
  2. ^ Aftab, Tehniat (2010-06-08). "The Street Favourite: Bun Kebabs". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  3. ^ "Karachi Delight Bun Kabab". HalalWorldDepot. Retrieved 2023-05-28.
  4. ^ a b OA (2015-04-05). "The battle of cuisines: Bun kebab vs burger". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2019-01-12.
  5. ^ Zubair, Saad (2017-12-03). "11 Of The Best Bun Kababs For The Ultimate Street Food Experience In Karachi". MangoBaaz. Retrieved 2019-01-12.