Shawarma and biryani steal the show at Lahore Book Fair: Over 1,200 sold amid disappointing book sales

At a recent book fair in Lahore, Pakistan, attendees showed a stronger preference for food over literature. The event, aimed at promoting literature and culture, saw only 35 books sold, while food stalls sold over 1,200 shawarmas and more than 800 plates of biryani.

Lahore, known as Pakistan's cultural and literary hub, has a rich history of intellectual activities. It is the birthplace of notable authors such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. Despite this legacy, the focus at the book fair shifted to food.

According to a report by Asia News Network, food stalls were more popular than book stands. Many on social media expressed disappointment, interpreting it as a decline in Lahore’s literary enthusiasm. On Reddit, one user described the situation as "embarrassing," while another noted, “Pakistan does not have a reading culture."


Price also played a role in the low book sales. A Reddit user mentioned, “A book costs 4-500 (and usually more expensive at fairs). Biryani and shawarma are around 100. If I want a book I’d much rather go to a second-hand bookshop because cheaper with more variety.” Another user suggested that a similar event in Karachi would likely see higher book sales, pointing out that “a plate of biryani is 400-500 or less and an original novel is 1000-4000.”

The event highlights the challenges of promoting literature in an environment where economic factors and different interests take precedence.