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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Syrian brothers Hussam and Haitham al-Wadi fled their country nine years ago, when the ongoing war broke out.
They settled in Pakistan, where they set up a Syrian restaurant in the capital city, Islamabad.
Hussam got a scholarship from a university in Pakistan and became the first person in his family to flee Syria. Haitham followed him six months later.
They initially struggled to get accustomed to a new country – but over time, Pakistan became their home.
The brothers offer locals the chance to try mouthwatering shawarma.
"We noticed that there is Syrian shawarma here at this restaurant, it is our culture, and I would tell everyone who can see me to eat from this (place)," Syrian student and customer Khalid said. "This is our culture and hopefully, everyone will enjoy (coming) here."
Their shawarma is loved by Pakistanis, who are already familiar with the popular dish.
"We have had visitors from all over Pakistan, from Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, major cities... They came not only to taste our food but to support us as well," Hussam said.
Hussam said the two brothers have their eye on expanding their business.
"We don't want to expand just to start franchising and ruin our quality, we want to expand in a proper way to keep our quality and reach everyone in Pakistan."
According to estimates, there are around 2,000 Syrians in Pakistan, mainly registered as students.
They settled in Pakistan, where they set up a Syrian restaurant in the capital city, Islamabad.
Hussam got a scholarship from a university in Pakistan and became the first person in his family to flee Syria. Haitham followed him six months later.
They initially struggled to get accustomed to a new country – but over time, Pakistan became their home.
The brothers offer locals the chance to try mouthwatering shawarma.
"We noticed that there is Syrian shawarma here at this restaurant, it is our culture, and I would tell everyone who can see me to eat from this (place)," Syrian student and customer Khalid said. "This is our culture and hopefully, everyone will enjoy (coming) here."
Their shawarma is loved by Pakistanis, who are already familiar with the popular dish.
"We have had visitors from all over Pakistan, from Karachi, Peshawar, Lahore, major cities... They came not only to taste our food but to support us as well," Hussam said.
Hussam said the two brothers have their eye on expanding their business.
"We don't want to expand just to start franchising and ruin our quality, we want to expand in a proper way to keep our quality and reach everyone in Pakistan."
According to estimates, there are around 2,000 Syrians in Pakistan, mainly registered as students.
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