Life As A Pakistani Expat

Living far away from family, friends and our country is one of the hardest decisions we have ever taken. To start a new life in a new country with a new culture without compromising our own cultural and religious values and customs is not an easy feat. The support and communication system that exists today did not exist few decades ago. Expat life anywhere in the world used to be one of isolation and lacking frequent communication with the loved ones. Fortunately, today, things are different. Technology, social media and blogging has revolutionized life of expats largely.

The challenges and obstacles faced while living abroad are many but there is hope for a better future. One often questions the decision to move away from home and phases of homesickness are all too common. So what keeps us going? I believe the two most important factors that comfort expats most are friends and food. Friends are a family away from family while food keeps us connected to our roots. After all, food is a celebration of life in Pardes!

Subtle changes have bigger effects – from karak chai to coffee, bazar to malls, clinic to practice, kadu to zucchini, cornetto to cold stone, rickshaw to subways, bun kebabs to fillo-fish, maids to self-made. As we take charge of our lives more closely and in a more hands-on way, our hidden potentials are unleashed. Craving for home-cooked desi food means you cannot get away without cooking. Eventually, you transform into a home chef within no time. The culinary journey of an expat starts from knowing and finding the ingredients, spices and lentils in the grocery store. Distinguishing the ingredients by their looks and appearance instead of Googling it every time you are confused between “Moong” and “Masoor”. Practice makes you perfect! More you cook, better it gets. Sharing food is usually the next natural step. When you cook well, you want to share the joy with your friends and in return the appreciation is always rewarding.

National has made life easy and stress-free with their spices and recipe masalas. It is hard to put the feeling in words when you see National masala or other items from Pakistan on grocery store shelves. A novice can cook like a pro with the help of National’s diverse range of recipes and spices.

See Green Biryani Recipe

From Quorma to Keema, Bar-b-que to kebabs, Pulao (simple, punjabi yakni, biryani, memoni) and biryani (simple, chicken, ghost, bombay, sindhi) and many more; Steaks/Chops Masala, Kabsa Rice, Chicken Reshmi Boti/Kebabs and Pulao Biryani really stand out and are always stocked in my pantry.

See Badami Deghi Quorma Recipe

Traditional Pakistani flavors and cuisine is an integral part of our expat lifestyle and National provides that taste of home in all our food indulgences. No matter where you live around the world, social lives always revolve around the dining table. Get-togethers and sharing food is our most valuable custom. I trust National for their flavorful and aromatic spices and recipe masalas for my great culinary expeditions and look forward to the next time I visit a grocery store to find National Masalas on the shelf.

See Achari Daal Recipe

Follow the Made Easy link and get all your recipes here.