Food in Pakistan

Captivating the senses with its vibrant culture, Pakistan is a haven for food enthusiasts eager to embark on a gastronomic journey. Pakistani cuisine, a blend of various regional cooking traditions, is known for its rich flavors and generous use of spices. As a traveler to this South Asian country, you will find a tantalizing array of dishes that are sure to satisfy your palate. Discover the must-try Pakistani dishes that highlight the country's culinary diversity and reflect its historical influences. Whether you're a fan of meaty feasts, vegetarian delights, or sweet treats, Pakistan's food scene has something to offer for every taste.

Pakistani Dishes

Biryani

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that is a staple at celebrations in Pakistan. Basmati rice is layered with spicy marinated meat (usually chicken, mutton, or beef), fried onions, and an array of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Each region has its own version, with some adding potatoes, dried fruits, or nuts to the mix.

Nihari

Originating from the streets of Old Delhi but now a beloved dish in Pakistan, especially in Karachi and Lahore, Nihari is a slow-cooked stew of beef or mutton. The meat is cooked overnight in a medley of spices which gives it a rich and hearty flavor. It is traditionally eaten as a breakfast dish and is often garnished with fresh coriander, green chilies, and ginger.

Chapli Kebab

A specialty of Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chapli Kebab is a spicy, flat-shaped minced meat kebab. It's made from ground beef or mutton mixed with various herbs and spices, such as coriander, pomegranate seeds, and crushed wheat. The kebabs are shallow-fried and commonly served with naan bread and yogurt dip.

Haleem

Haleem is a thick, savory porridge made from a mixture of barley, wheat, lentils, and finely shredded meat, usually beef or mutton. Cooked for several hours, the ingredients meld together, creating a rich texture. It's seasoned with a special spice blend and often garnished with fried onions, coriander, and slices of lemon.

Saag

Saag is a nutritious green dish made from spinach, mustard greens, or other leafy vegetables, cooked with spices and sometimes added paneer (cheese) or meat. It's a comfort food in Pakistani cuisine, served with makki di roti (cornbread) and a dollop of butter or ghee on top.

Karahi

Karahi is a type of curry named after the heavy, wok-like pot in which it is cooked. The dish typically features chicken or mutton cooked in a tomato-based sauce with green chilies, ginger, and fresh coriander. It's known for its fiery spice level and is a favorite in Pakistani roadside eateries and restaurants alike.

Seekh Kebabs

Seekh Kebabs are a popular street food in Pakistan, consisting of skewered and grilled minced meat, seasoned with a blend of spices. They are usually made from beef or chicken and are served with mint chutney, onions, and naan bread.

Aloo Keema

A homestyle dish, Aloo Keema is a comforting curry made with minced meat (keema) and potatoes (aloo). It's cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. This dish is typically enjoyed with rice or rotis.

Paye

A dish for the adventurous eater, Paye is a curry made from the trotters (feet) of a cow, goat, or lamb. The trotters are simmered for hours with onions and a spice blend until the marrow is released into the broth, creating a rich and unique flavor. It's often eaten for breakfast with naan.

Samosas

A ubiquitous snack across the Indian subcontinent, the Pakistani samosa is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat. Samosas are often accompanied by tamarind or mint chutney.

Pakistani Desserts

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun is a sweet, syrupy dessert made from milk solids kneaded into a dough, shaped into balls, and deep-fried until golden brown. These are then soaked in a rosewater-flavored sugar syrup, giving them a delightful sweetness with floral notes.

Jalebi

Jalebi is a popular Pakistani street food dessert. It's made by deep-frying a fermented batter of wheat flour in pretzel or circular shapes, which are then soaked in sugar syrup. The result is a chewy texture with a crystallized sugar coating, often enjoyed warm.

Ras Malai

Ras Malai consists of soft paneer balls immersed in chilled, creamy milk. Flavored with cardamom, the milk is often adorned with pistachios or almonds for added texture. It's a refreshing dessert, especially during the warm months.

Kheer

Similar to rice pudding, Kheer is a classic dessert made by boiling rice with milk and sugar. It's flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, or almonds. It can be served warm or chilled, and is a common sweet dish at Pakistani celebrations.

Halwa

Halwa in Pakistan refers to various dense, sweet confections, often made with semolina, carrots, or lentils. One of the most popular is Sooji Halwa, made from semolina flour, ghee, sugar, and nuts. It's typically served at religious ceremonies and special occasions.

Barfi

Barfi is a dense milk-based sweet confectionery. It's made with condensed milk and sugar, cooked until it solidifies. Varieties include pistachio, almond, and coconut, and it's often flavored with fruit or spices.