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PESHAWAR, Dec 14 (APP):As the cold wave sweep across Peshawar with chances of rains in next 24 hours, a sense of warmth and nostalgia fills the air, courtesy of a local dish that has become synonymous with the chilly season ie chicken yakhni and corn soup, attracting Peshawarties in droves.
All chicken soup and yakhni points draw substantial number of people at Peshawar city and cantonment areas with stretched hands of bowls to beat the biting cold.
Many customers ask for inclusion of boil eggs making it more warm and tasty by sellers.
For Khurshid Khan, a 45-year-old chicken soup and yakhni seller at Peshawar Cantonment, winter is not just a season but a time of opportunity to earn maximum capital for his family.
Standing proudly at Fawara Chowk, Khurshid shares how the cold weather brings life back to his business.
“I came out of home at 4 p.m. with 10 kilograms of soup and yakhni made of 10 native chicken and all sold by 9pm. The demand for the soup spikes dramatically as the chill sets in,” Khurshid tells APP, as he instructs his two laborers to serve steaming bowls of the winter delight to eager customers.
The scene at his soup stall is a familiar one in Peshawar, where people gather in the cold to enjoy the warmth and comfort of freshly made soup and exchange views of day to day affairs.
The rich aroma of the soup, prepared with native chickens, ghee, and special sauces, fills the air, drawing in a steady stream of customers of all ages.
The soup is not only a source of comfort but also a means of connection, as people swap stories and discuss their day-to-day affairs amidst the cold wave while sitting in traditional Charpayees at Qisakhwani.
Khurshid’s soup business is deeply rooted in family tradition. He inherited the craft from his late grandfather father, who was known for his skill in preparing this beloved winter dish.
“I am proud to carry forward my grandfather’s legacy of pre partition era. The soup recipe is special as we use native chickens and ghee, which gives it a unique taste. The special sauces add a burst of flavor, making it a perfect dish for the season,” he says.
The demand for his chicken soup peaks in December and January, when the cold is at its harshest. “In these months, the soup sells like hotcakes. People look for something to keep them warm, and chicken soup and yakhni are the perfect answer,” he explains.
As the cold wave continues to grip Peshawar amid rains forecast, Khurshid’s business remains s great source of comfort for the community, offering not just food, but a much-needed respite from the winter chill.
The cold weather has led many residents to flock to local shops with their families to enjoy these warm traditional dishes especially at night at Nowshera and Charsadda.
There has been a noticeable increase in footfall at chicken corn soup and yakhani stalls, particularly during the evening and night hours, in both the cities.
These cusines, popular for their warmth and flavor, have become a favorite choice for those seeking comfort during the chilly season.
Shopkeepers have responded to the demand by setting up special stalls offering chicken soups with various sauces and boiled eggs, leading to profitable sales during the winter months.
These stalls are especially popular in busy areas like Hashtnagri, Karimpura, Gul Bahar, Nothia, Jhangirabad, Board, and Hayatabad, attracting large crowds, particularly after dark.
Waris Shah, owner of a famous soup outlet at Ghanta Ghar Peshawar said that his sale was almost doubled these days.
The prices for soup are variable, with small to medium-sized cups priced between Rs100 to Rs 120, while larger portions are being sold for Rs 150 to Rs 160, he said.
In comparison, the price of a bowl of chicken yakhani has increased to Rs 50-60 this year, up from Rs 40-45 in 2024. This price hike has led to occasional disputes between consumers and vendors.
Faraz Khan, a local vendor, explained that the demand for chicken corn soup and yakhani has spiked due to the colder weather. He said that additional ingredients and sauces are being used to enhance the flavor of the soup, which justifies the higher prices.
Umar Khan, a former public sector employee who visited Hashtnagri bazaar with his family, shared his enthusiasm for the traditional Peshawari corn soup.
“The taste is unmatched, thanks to the variety of sauces,” he said, adding that he had been coming to Peshawar in winter for this dish since his childhood. However, he expressed concern over the rising prices in Peshawar and urged the district administration to regulate the costs.
Umar Khan also preferred chicken yakhani over soup for its longer-lasting warmth and affordability and mentioned that a chicken leg piece with yakhani is now priced at Rs 200-250, compared to Rs 150-180 last year.
He called for KP government intervention to regulate the pricing of these popular winter cusines for the benefit of consumers.
The rising prices and growing demand for these winter specialties highlight the essential role of chicken corn soup and yakhani in Peshawar’s cold-weather culture.
However, many are calling for price controls to ensure accessibility for all.
In the heart of Peshawar, where tradition and culture blend seamlessly, Khurshid’s chicken soup stall is more than just a business.
It is a reminder of the simple joys that bring people together in the coldest of days of December as a bowl of soup and yakhni with boiled eggs, a warm smile, and the comfort of shared moments double customers joy.