Meet the Pakistani Meat-Lover Who Created the Country’s First Plant-Based Kebabs

Ailya Khan, a former meat-lover in Pakistan, founded Ghaas Phoos Plant-Based Foods, the country's first vegan meat startup, to provide accessible and culturally relevant plant-based food options. The startup offers a variety of plant-based alternatives infused with familiar Pakistani spices, including soy-based kebabs and patties, mushroom biryani, and green pea kebabs.

Despite the cultural emphasis on meat in Pakistan, Khan believes that there is a growing interest in plant-based alternatives. Ghaas Phoos aims to showcase the possibilities of food innovation with local ingredients and plants, while also challenging the notion that meat is essential for enjoying traditional flavors. The startup is seeking support from investors and partners to expand its offerings and contribute to the rising awareness of plant-based options in the country.