Destinations takes you on a tour of Bokhari Commercial, fast emerging as one of Karachi’s hippest new areas.

Photography: Gibran A. Jamshed

Hair & Make-up: Sofia K. Hasan

A day spent at the up and coming Bokhari Commercial Area always holds the promise of something fun and unique. Here, grit meets glamour, as local chai dhabas sit next to couture dresses in uber-cool boutiques, chic restaurants serving delectable dishes line up next to construction sites and roadside graffiti pops up unexpectedly around corners. Here’s a pick of some of my favourite places in the area:

Springs

Well stocked with a wide variety of groceries, meats, organic fruits and vegetables, Springs is not your typical supermarket. Here you can find everything from local brands to fresh berries and foreign cigars. I usually run in and quickly pick up fresh ingredients

for salad or quality, imported snacks for a movie night at home. Additionally, the staff is super helpful and the store is just the right size – not too big, not too small. I must admit, Springs really elevates the grocery shopping experience, a quality that makes it direct competition to Agha’s and Farid’s.

Fudo

I like to keep lunch light, primarily because a big meal during the day lowers my overall productivity. I also like to eat as healthy as possible so I am in constant search of the perfect lunch spot. This is the reason why Fudo appetizers are the perfect choice for me. The restaurant targets anyone on a budget looking for a satisfying, home-style Chinese food experience. With economical pricing and large portions, I highly recommend this spot to students looking for a quick, clean bite between classes and tuitions.

My lunch included a bowl of chicken corn , crackers and spicy, garlic prawns. The hot n’ sour soup is also a personal favourite!

Blush Spa and Salon

Beauty and luxury join hands at the new Blush Spa and Salon. Designed by renowned architect Asad I. A. Khan, Blush offers a comprehensive array of services and luxury beauty rituals in a chic setting, with the additional introduction of cosmetology. The very charming owner Hina Farid, a bold and innovative businesswoman, offers consultations on all beauty-related queries, including advice on cosmetology services: semi permanent eyebrow and lip-line tattoos, as well as lash extensions. Sit down to a relaxing pedicure or pamper yourself with a blow dry – the luxurious and hygienic environment of Blush is sure to make you feel like a queen. I rate it 9/10!

Sania Maskatiya

Since its launch in 2010, the Sania Maskatiya label has been a force to reckon with. The designer’s signature aesthetic is a balance between elegance, comfort and practicality, making the brand the perfect choice for the modern woman. As an event-hopping Karachi girl, I love Sania Maskatiya’s luxury pret line, which offers a diverse range of cuts in the form of ponchos, embellished jackets, off shoulder tops and palazzos. It’s easy to wear and fun to style. Furthermore, separates from Sania’s formal line can also be paired with ripped denim jeans, sneakers and a basic top for a cool, contemporary look.

Nadia Farooqui

Nadia Farooqui is an up and coming brand with a minimalistic aesthetic that focuses on workmanship and cuts. The NF boutique is situated right across from Sania Maskatiya and Tena Durrani – in the hub of Bokhari’s design houses. The store carries trendy casuals and pretty flowy chiffons as well as heavy formal,
all within a reasonable price range.

Tena Durrani

My last stop of the day was at the beautiful Tena Durrani boutique. The designer understands the cosmopolitan element of a city that thrives on innovation and creativity – her latest work which modernizes the typical ghagra-choli is worth acclaim. The sprawling space houses not only the bridal and formal lines but also a lighter luxury pret range. Take your time to browse through the extensive collections, for this is a store that calls for an unhurried, luxurious shopping experience

Hotspots in Bokhari

Food:

  • Master Juice
  • Chai Wala
  • Xander’s
  • Café Chatterbox
  • N’ecos
  • Arbor Café
  • Fudo
  • Lollywood Café

Fitness:

  • Studio X Fitness Gym/Detox Juice Bar/Mint Beauty Solutions)

Furniture & Lifestyle:

  • Baroque Inc.
  • Prestige Kitchens
  • J. B. Saeed Hardware & Complete Home Store
  • Pith Home & Fashion
  • Yoca
  • Interwood
  • Design and Dept

Boutiques:

  • Zara Shahjehan
  • Tena Durrani
  • Nadia Farooqui
  • Sania Maskatiya

Salons:

  • JY the Style Studio
  • Joie Salon and Spa
  • Bina Khan Salon
  • Mint Beauty Solutions
  • Saman’s Salon
  • Blush Spa and Salon

Grocery            

  • TM Mart
  • Springs