Op-Ed: Fast Food Consumption Steadying in Peshawar

Fast food is gaining popularity among students and the general public in Peshawar due to a number of reasons. In the next few years, it may win over traditional food for major meals of the day.

The prices of traditional food served in restaurants are on a rise in Peshawar but those of fast food remain comparatively steady. While burgers and French fries are not traditionally considered as a satiable meal, students of the Peshawar University are increasingly turning to fast food spots for saving time and money. If the increase in prices of traditional entrees continues at the current rate, one may predict that sometime in not-so-remote future, fast food will clinch the titles of ‘lunch’ and ‘supper’ on campus. Comparing the prices of traditional meals on campus – the difference of about 10 rupees per entrée and a little for appetizers and salad – adds several hundred rupees to a monthly budget for the meals alone; not to mention that the quality of food has declined over the years. But that is not all which makes burgers and French fries more popular among students. Poor service in canteens and restaurants is a main cause of distraction for many students. When they go a fast food point, also served at the bakeries, the item is ready to sell. The prices are steady and few care about the quality here. That is why a number of fast food spots, including make-shift burger points, have arrived in the university campus while the canteens haven’t grown in number and popularity. The situation is similar outside the university. Along the main university road, many fast food sellers are ready to serve till late in the evening. It is still in vogue to get a burger and devour it with a cold drink without bothering oneself with the search for a seat in crowded canteens. As the number of people living close to the university, including students living within and outside the university, is increasing significantly, fast food is becoming more a necessity than choice. For these items, you are never late and your pocket contains enough to stuff your stomach.