Australia’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins, recently embarked on a flavorful adventure in Peshawar, where he discovered the renowned Charsi Tikka. Dressed in a traditional Pakistani kurta and vest, Hawkins arrived at Peshawar’s Qissa Khwani Bazaar, ready to indulge in the city’s celebrated cuisine.
The day began with a steaming cup of cardamom-infused tea, setting the stage for Hawkins to explore the culinary delights of Peshawar. It was the city’s Charsi tikka that caught his attention—a barbecued meat dish that left a lasting impression.
Overwhelmed by the flavors, Hawkins couldn’t help but express his delight and praise for the tikka. He declared it the most mouthwatering tikka he had ever tasted, gaining a newfound understanding as to why it earned the name ‘Charsi’, a playful nod to its addictive nature.
Beyond the delicious food, Hawkins formed a genuine connection with the local community, fully embracing the traditions and flavors that make Peshawar’s culinary scene distinctive. His appreciation for the charsi tikka serves as a powerful testament to the cross-cultural appreciation and shared experiences that can arise through the universal language of food
