Pakistani dishes are unique in the sense they continue to be influenced by neighbouring regions such as India, Middle East, Iran and Western Asia. The country of nearly 234 million people enjoys global appeal for its exquisite dishes as well as splendid wildlife reserves and natural parks.
Whether you are already in Pakistan or planning a short trip, you better not miss out on the opportunity to try local cuisine. There’s no arguing that the Pakistani food culture is as rich as it is diverse – offering a fine blend of techniques, cooking methods and ingredients. With that in mind, let’s explore the most famous Pakistani dishes you must try.
Must-try Pakistani foods for tourists
Pakistanis love to eat, and they are always exploring new dishes to satiate their insatiable appetite for food. If you’ve had a prior experience with Pakistan food, you probably know it doesn’t go without spices with chili pepper, saffron, turmeric, and garam masala found in almost every Pakistani dish there is. For tourists, there’s no better Pakistani food to try than:
Biryani
Biryani traces its origins back to the Mughal Empire of the subcontinent. This mixed rice dish is thought to have been development in the royal kitchens before finding its way to common folks. Biryani can be made with mutton, lamb, beef but chicken biryani remains the undisputed leader when it comes to its preferred type.
Nihari
You can’t just leave Pakistan’s national dish out of the equation when talking about must-try Pakistani foods for tourists. The word “nihari” is derived from the Arabic word “Nihar”, which means morning – hence its profound status as a popular brunch dish. It is made of stewed beef shanks or mutton. If you happen to visit Lahore, you must try the city’s Muhammadi Nihari.
Doodh-Pati
Pakistanis love them some doodh-pati. This popular Pakistani beverage is made from cardamom-infused milk that is boiled with black tea leaves until a gorgeous toffee-coloured hue is attained. Doodh-pati is a breakfast staple in many Pakistani households. Simple tea or “Karak Chai” as it is often called in Pakistan is another popular variant of Doodh-Pati.
Best traditional dishes in Pakistan
Pakistan may have emerged on the world map in 1947, but its food culture and tradition goes back a long way. From the beef stew served in Mughal courts to the Gormeh Sabzi cooked during the reign of Nadir Shah, Pakistan has a rich history of traditional food.
Dal Chawal
A favorite among millions of Pakistani at home and abroad, Dal Chawal is a quick meal with incredible nutritional value. Some of the more popular variants of dal chawal include chana dal chawal, masoor dal chawal. Masar (black lentil) Chawal is another popular Dal Chawal variant in Pakistan. While you are at it, don’t forget to try the Tarka Dal in Pakistan.
Sarson Ka Saag
Sarson Ka Saag is cooked using mustard seeds harvested from mustard crop. This crop is grown during the spring and winter season. Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti (and Doodh-Pati) is a perfect breakfast during winter.
Haleem
Today’s Haleem contains a variety of ingredient such as rice, whole pulses, spices, and meat. This exquisite dish has its origins in the 10th century. Legend has it that Arab scribe Abu Muhammad al-Muzaffar ibn Sayyar compiled a cookbook with a recipe for harees in Baghdad. Harees would eventually became Haleem.
Famous Pakistani cuisine for travelers
We’ve already talked about Biryani and Nihari among famous Pakistani dishes you must try. But Pakistani cuisine doesn’t stop on these two dishes.
Chaamp
This section isn’t for vegan folks so if you’re one, please stay away. Jokes aside, Pakistanis – especially the people of Punjab region – prefer mutton over other forms of meat. When cooked into chops and put over a grill, this meat becomes ‘Chaamp.’
Kebabs
Kebabs are a popular appetiser among Pakistani families. Often served with evening tea is the shaami kebab. The patty-shaped kebab is made with minced meat mixed with split chickpeas, finely chopped onion, mint, green chili and egg to hold it all together.
Halwa Puri
Halwa Puri could very well be the top choice for Pakistanis when it comes to weekend breakfast. The best part about this dish is that is contains sweet, salty and sour ingredients to produce an aroma-filled, ghee-rich exquisite dish. The ‘puri’ is a deep-fried bread that’s served with halwa, chickpea stew, crispy onion salad, and zingy mango pickle on the side for a complete brunch meal.
Pakistani street food guide
One cannot mention Halwa Puri without referring to a Pakistani street food guide for travellers. Street foods are a common sight in Pakistan where small businesses and owners sell food on roadside carts and small eateries. Popular Pakistani street food locations include Lahore’s Food Street, Peshawar’s Namak Mandi, and the numerous Nali Biryani places in Karachi.
Food tourism in Pakistan
Food tourism in Pakistan will thrive as long Pakistanis’ love and fondness for food exist. The country has a rich cultural tapestry complemented by its vibrant culinary traditions, allowing visitors to breath in the tasty aroma of exquisite Pakistani dishes.
