Stones Found in Samosas: Islamabad’s Famous Rewari Wala Faces Public Outrage
Islamabad – July 2025:
What started as a tasty treat turned into a painful surprise for many customers when small stones (kankars) were reportedly found inside samosas sold by one of Islamabad’s most famous street food vendors, popularly known as “Rewari Wala.” The incident has sparked complaints and serious concern among locals who have long trusted the taste and quality of this well-known stall.
A Shocking Discovery
Multiple residents of G-9, G-10, and F-8 sectors reported finding hard particles—believed to be small stones or sand—in their freshly bought samosas. For some, the bite caused discomfort in their teeth; for others, it completely ruined the eating experience.
Mrs. Nuzhat, a teacher from G-10, said:
“I always bought samosas from Rewari Wala on my way home. But last evening, I bit into something hard and painful. When I checked, it was a small stone!”
Another regular customer, Ali Raza, shared:
“My younger brother almost cracked his tooth. We thought it was a one-time mistake, but later we found out many others had the same issue.”
Rewari Wala’s Longtime Popularity
The vendor, commonly known as Rewari Wala, has been a trusted name in the twin cities for nearly two decades. People across Islamabad have praised him for his crispy, spicy samosas and sweet jalebis. The stall often sees long queues, especially during Ramadan and festival seasons.
However, this recent incident has put a dent in his reputation. Many customers feel disappointed and are demanding better hygiene and quality control.
Social Media Reactions
After the complaints started spreading, social media platforms lit up with pictures and videos of samosas containing tiny stones. Hashtags like #SamosaStoneScandal and #RewariWalaIssue began trending in local circles on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Some users posted:
- “We support local vendors, but this is unacceptable. Cleanliness is a must!”
- “I loved their samosas, but now I’m scared to eat them again.”
- “Health over taste—please take action.”
Health Concerns and Risk
Dentists and health experts have also warned that consuming food items with hard impurities like stones can lead to dental injuries, digestive problems, or even internal cuts in rare cases.
Dr. Kamran Asif, a dental surgeon in Islamabad, said:
“Biting into a stone can cause a cracked molar or chipped teeth. Such incidents might trigger jaw soreness or harm the gums.”
Possible Causes: Negligence or Supply Issue?
Food experts believe the stones may have entered the mixture due to unwashed lentils or poorly cleaned potatoes—main ingredients used in samosas.
Food safety inspector Shahbaz Anwar explained:
“Sometimes, bulk suppliers deliver raw materials like daal (lentils) or vegetables without proper cleaning. If the cook doesn’t filter or wash them properly, small particles like stones or sand can stay hidden inside.”
He further added that street vendors often lack trained staff or standard food handling practices, which increases the risk of such incidents.
Rewari Wala Responds
In response to the rising backlash, Rewari Wala himself stepped forward and issued a short statement to the local press:
“We are truly sorry for what happened. We never intended to harm or upset anyone. I have instructed my team to thoroughly clean and check all ingredients moving forward. We value our customers and promise to improve immediately.”
While some customers appreciated the apology, others felt that words are not enough without clear action.
District Administration Steps In
Following public complaints, Islamabad’s food authority conducted a surprise inspection of Rewari Wala’s kitchen and preparation space.
According to early reports:
- Cleanliness levels were found to be below acceptable standards.
- Storage containers had visible dust and residue.
- No proper ingredient-washing area was present.
The vendor was issued a warning notice, and authorities have given him 7 days to improve his hygiene practices or face temporary suspension.
Customer Reactions: Mixed Feelings
While some people have stopped buying from the stall temporarily, others are giving the vendor a second chance.
Farhan Ali, a university student, shared:
“Mistakes happen, but if he fixes the problem and takes cleanliness seriously, I will buy again.”
However, Rameen, a mother of two, said:
“I can’t risk my children’s health. Until I’m sure everything is clean, I won’t go back.”
Lessons for All Street Vendors
This incident highlights the growing need for strict hygiene and quality control among local food vendors. Islamabad’s street food scene is loved for its flavors and affordability, but such lapses in cleanliness can lead to health risks and loss of trust.
Food safety authorities are now urging all vendors to:
- Properly wash ingredients
- Use clean water and utensils
- Avoid open-air preparation
- Wear gloves while serving
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
The Rewari Wala samosa incident has served as a wake-up call for both vendors and customers. While street food continues to be a beloved part of Pakistani culture, hygiene can no longer be ignored.
The people of Islamabad hope that this matter is taken seriously and that taste never comes at the cost of health.
