Eidul Azha is more than just a religious ritual — it’s a grand, sensory celebration that brings together tradition, community, and of course, food. In desi households, the joy of sacrifice is quickly followed by the sizzle of grills, the aroma of spices, and the chaotic beauty of kitchens in full swing. This year, the Eid table promises something for everyone — from carnivores to comfort-seekers, and even vegetarians who usually get sidelined in meat-centric feasts.
But behind every festive table is a team of women who make it all possible. While the men are out choosing the perfect sacrificial animal, the women are busy prepping kitchens, curating spice blends, organizing the deep freezer, and ensuring every corner of the house — and every dish — is ready for the occasion.
The Sizzle of Celebration: Meaty Marvels Take Center Stage
For many, Eidul Azha is the Super Bowl of meat dishes — and kebabs are the undisputed MVPs. This year, Karachi’s iconic Bihari kebabs are a must: tender strips of beef marinated in raw papaya, mustard oil, and fried onions, grilled until they melt in your mouth. For those who prefer a bit of bite, chapli kebabs from Peshawar, with their rough texture and spice-laden punch, are an unapologetically bold option.
Want to make a primal statement? Smoky mutton chops and slow-roasted leg of lamb offer both flavor and spectacle. The mutton leg roast, in particular, is a labour of love — marinated overnight, roasted for hours, and served with flair. Add spicy goat liver to the mix, best enjoyed a day after qurbani, and you’ve got a menu that’s not just rich in taste, but deeply rooted in tradition.
Of course, the classics never go out of style. Across households, women are preparing the timeless favourites: biryani, karhai, pulao, and barbecue platters. Special spice blends are being crushed at home, ready to infuse each dish with that unmistakable homemade warmth.
Comfort in a Pot: For the Chicken Lovers
Not everyone’s palate craves red meat, especially amid the heaviness of Eid meals. Enter chicken gravies — reliable, delicious, and universally loved. Slow-cooked with golden onions and tomatoes, and paired with light, fluffy khushka rice, these dishes offer a break from the richness without sacrificing flavor.
Vegetarian Dishes with a Seat at the Table
Eid might be a meat festival, but hospitality means feeding every guest — not just the meat-eaters. This year, many are making room on their tables for crowd-pleasing vegetarian options. Vegetable cutlets — crispy, spiced, and nostalgia-packed — are perfect starters. Palak paneer, with its creamy spinach base and soft paneer cubes, brings color and comfort, holding its own beside the meat-heavy mains. A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumber, coriander, and a touch of chaat masala rounds off the spread with a crisp, cooling touch.
Sweet Finishes for a Full Day
After a long day of feasting, what you need is dessert — but something that doesn’t weigh you down. Sheer khorma, the traditional Eid dessert made with roasted vermicelli, dates, and nuts, hits the sweet spot. Light in texture, rich in flavor, it can be served warm for comfort or chilled for refreshment.
For a cooler, more playful finish, nothing beats a homemade fruit trifle. Layer fresh fruit, sponge cake, vanilla custard, and whipped cream in glass bowls for a dessert that’s both beautiful and bite-sized — at least until someone goes in for seconds.
Behind the Feast: Women at the Helm
While the spotlight often lands on the food, it’s important to recognize the hands that make the magic happen. Across the city, women have been prepping tirelessly — from cleaning out deep freezers to perfecting their spice mixes and stocking up on essentials. From organizing children’s Eid clothes to ensuring there’s enough lemon and coriander on hand, they’ve done it all.
As Razia from Gulshan-e-Iqbal puts it, “These days are tiring for us… but it’s all worth it for the joy of Eid.” Another homemaker, Zakia, shares, “The rush starts in the morning, but happiness has its own flavor.”
And for younger women stepping into this tradition, the message from seasoned cooks like Hufsa is clear: “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” But as every desi woman knows, it’s not just about cooking — it’s about crafting memories, feeding love, and carrying forward the spirit of Eid.
Verdict:
Eidul Azha 2025 promises more than just food — it’s an immersive cultural experience. From sizzling kebabs and vibrant vegetarian dishes to sweet endings and spirited kitchen hustle, this year’s Eid table reflects both time-honored traditions and the evolving, inclusive tastes of modern households. Most of all, it’s a celebration shaped by the tireless dedication of women — the true backbone of the festival feast.
