Savour Foods: The Story of Rawalpindi’s Iconic Restaurant

That Began with Just 18 Chairs

You may not recognize the name Haji Muhammad Naeem, but if you’ve ever tasted Pulao Kabab in Rawalpindi, chances are you’ve dined at Savour Foods. What you might not know, however, is how this culinary institution got its name—or the humble beginnings from which it rose.

From 18 Chairs to a Culinary Empire

In 1988, a modest eatery named "Savour" opened its doors near Gordon College, Rawalpindi. With just 18 chairs and a handful of employees, it was a far cry from the thriving chain it is today.

Haji Muhammad Naeem, the founder, hails from a landowning yet deeply religious family in Gojra, Toba Tek Singh. After completing his matriculation, he ventured into business at his father’s encouragement.

"Our vision was simple: serve good, affordable food," Naeem recalls. "Many assume we started with a roadside cart—that’s not true. We began in a small hall on College Road with eight employees and an investment of roughly 200,000 rupees."

The Struggle Before Success

The early days were far from glamorous. A plate of Pulao with Shami Kabab or Chicken cost just 20 rupees, and business was unpredictable.

"There were days of despair, but also moments of hope," Naeem admits. "People think success happens overnight. It doesn’t."

For years, Naeem perfected the recipe himself—experimenting with rice, spices, and meat. A self-taught chef, he later trained his brothers and staff until the family unanimously agreed on one signature taste—a flavor that would soon win over the masses.

The Birth of "Savour" – A Name That Stuck

The restaurant’s name came from Professor Raja Arshad Ahmad, a former Urdu lecturer at Government College Asghar Mall and a longtime friend of Naeem.

"We wanted a name that was easy to remember and pronounce—whether you were educated or not," explains Professor Arshad. "‘Savour’ fit perfectly."

Derived from the Cambridge Dictionary, "savour" means "to enjoy food with delight." A fitting title for a brand that would redefine Pakistani comfort food.

Expansion & Legacy

By 1999, Savour had established its own rice mill in Gujranwala, ensuring premium quality. Expansion followed swiftly:

• 2000: Bagh Sardaran branch
• 2002: Melody Food Park, Islamabad
• 2005: Blue Area, Islamabad & Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Today, Savour boasts eight branches across Pakistan (including two in Lahore, where it thrives despite stiff competition). While it has yet to expand internationally, plans are underway.

By the Numbers:

✔ 10,000+ customers daily
✔ 100+ pots of Pulao cooked per branch
✔ 100+ counterfeit "Savour" outlets shut down (the name is a registered trademark)

Why Savour Endures

In a market flooded with eateries, Savour’s success lies in its consistency, affordability, and that unmistakable taste—honed over decades. What began as a dream in a tiny hall is now a culinary landmark, proving that even the humblest beginnings can simmer into something extraordinary.

---

Sources & Further Reading:

• Cambridge Dictionary: Definition of "Savour"
• Interviews with Haji Muhammad Naeem (2023)
• Business registrations under the Trade Marks Act (Pakistan)