Pakistan is a paradise for food lovers. Its cuisine is rich, spiced, and full of flavors that vary from one region to another. From the sweet air of chai in the mountains to the sizzling kebabs on Karachi’s streets, eating in Pakistan is an adventure for the taste buds.
Must-Try Dishes in Pakistan
Biryani
Biryani is one of the most beloved dishes in Pakistan. It’s a spiced rice dish, often made with chicken or mutton, and is famous for its layers of flavors. The dish is fragrant with spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves. Karachi is particularly known for its spicy biryani, while Lahore’s version is a bit milder.
Tip: Try the local favorite at “Student Biryani” in Karachi, or “Butt Karahi” in Lahore for a flavorful, authentic experience.
Karahi
Karahi is another staple in Pakistani cuisine. This dish is made in a wok-like pan (the ‘karahi’) and is either prepared with chicken, mutton, or even prawns. It is cooked with tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and green chili, giving it a zesty, slightly smoky flavor.
Many roadside joints in Peshawar make some of the best karahi you can find, often using simple ingredients but making the dish taste magical. “Lahori Charghah” in Lahore also offers an amazing version of this dish.
Haleem
Haleem is a slow-cooked dish that blends wheat, barley, lentils, and meat to create a thick, rich stew. It’s a popular dish during Ramadan but is enjoyed year-round. Topped with fried onions, lemon juice, and green chilies, haleem has a complex flavor profile with a hearty texture.
For an ultimate taste of haleem, head to “Mazedar Haleem” in Karachi.
Nihari
Nihari is a slow-cooked beef stew with a rich, spicy gravy. Traditionally, it’s eaten for breakfast, served with naan or paratha, but it’s a satisfying meal anytime of the day. You can find nihari all over Pakistan; most famous are Karachi’s versions.
“Khan Nihari” and “Javed Nihari” are popular spots in Karachi known for their decadent, rich nihari.
Street Food You Can’t Miss
Chaat
If you’re craving something tangy and spicy, chaat will hit the spot. It is a mix of chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, tamarind sauce, and various spices that explode with flavor. There are many versions of chaat, but all are deliciously addictive.
Head to Karachi’s Burns Road or Lahore’s Anarkali Bazaar for some freshly made chaat with a lot of tang!
Samosas
Samosas are fried pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, or minced meat. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with mint or tamarind chutney. It’s the perfect street snack, and you can’t walk around any market without grabbing a few.
Don’t miss Samosa House in Islamabad for piping hot, crunchy samosas.
Gol Gappay
Gol gappay are small, round fried puffs filled with tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas. They are crunchy, tangy, and spicy all at once, and you’ll find people lined up for them at stalls across Pakistan.
Head to Liberty Market in Lahore or Saddar in Karachi for the best gol gappay in town.
Seekh Kebabs
Seekh kebabs are spiced, minced meat skewered, and grilled over an open flame. They’re smoky and juicy, often served with naan and fresh herbs. Wherever you go, you’ll find stalls selling freshly grilled kebabs. It’s a quick, flavorful meal on the go.
The “Burns Road Food Street” in Karachi or “Gawalmandi” in Lahore are known for having the tastiest, juiciest seekh kebabs you’ll find anywhere.
Regional Specialties
Peshawari Chapli Kebab
In the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, you’ll find the legendary chapli kebab. These are flat, fried beef or mutton patties mixed with coarsely-ground spices. They are crispy on the outside and tender inside, bursting with flavor. Paired with naan, this dish is a true treat.
Find the best chapli kebabs at “Namak Mandi” in Peshawar.
Sindhi Biryani
Sindhi biryani is famously more spiced than other regional variations and also includes generous amounts of yogurt and tomatoes, giving it a unique tangy spin. It’s made with mutton or chicken and is served with a side of raita (yogurt with cucumber and mint).
Try “Delhi Darbar” or “Dilpasand” in Karachi to sample some fantastic Sindhi biryani.
Wazwan
In Azad Kashmir, the traditional Wazwan feast is a major part of life. This Kashmiri meal includes several dishes, with highlights like Rogan Josh (a red, spiced lamb dish), Aab Gosht (lamb in a milk-based gravy), and Gushtaba (pounded mutton meatballs in yogurt sauce).
If you get the chance to attend a Kashmiri wedding, you’ll likely be treated to this unforgettable feast. You can also try some authentic Kashmiri food at the “Serena Hotel” in Islamabad.
Where to Eat in Pakistan
Local Markets
For the most authentic food experience, head to local food markets. In Lahore, the Anarkali Bazaar and Gawalmandi are teeming with delicious street foods. Karachi’s Burns Road is famous for its mix of fried snacks, kebabs, and curries that are well-known throughout the city. You’ll also find fruit stalls selling fresh mangoes, guavas, or custard apples, depending on the season.
These areas are a foodie’s dream, offering everything from quick snacks to hearty meals. The best way to experience them? Just dive in and sample whatever looks tempting!
High-End Restaurants
If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, Pakistan’s major cities are home to fantastic fine-dining restaurants that serve both traditional and fusion dishes. In Islamabad, head over to Monal, which offers views of the city from the Margalla hills, along with some great Pakistani dishes.
In Lahore, Andaaz is known for its top-notch service and delicious local delicacies paired with a cultural ambiance. Karachi hosts Okra, a restaurant known for modern takes on classic flavors using fresh, local ingredients. These places cater to those who want to experience authentic Pakistani flavors but in a more refined setting.
Hidden Local Spots
Some of the best food in Pakistan is found in small hole-in-the-wall joints that locals swear by. In Peshawar, “Jehangir Hotel” serves up unbeatable lamb karahi that’s not to be missed. In Lahore, “Phajja Siri Paaye” is the place to go for slow-cooked foot stew if you want a real taste of the local food culture.
When in Pakistan, trust the locals for their favorite spots. These hidden gems often end up being your most memorable meals.
Sweet Treats
Kheer
Kheer is a rice pudding made with milk, sugar, cardamom, and often garnished with nuts and saffron. It’s creamy, rich, and usually served cold. Every region has its own version, but you’ll find it across the country, often served as a dessert after a big meal.
“Fresco Sweets” in Lahore and “Haji Sweets” in Karachi both offer great examples of this classic dessert.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a deep-fried dessert soaked in sugar syrup. These spiral-shaped treats are crispy on the outside and sticky-sweet on the inside. They’re often eaten for breakfast or as a mid-day snack.
Find the best jalebi at bakeries like “Data Darbar Sweets” in Lahore or “Dhoraji Colony” in Karachi.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is another popular sweet treat in Pakistan. These are soft, spongy dough balls soaked in rose water and cardamom-flavored sugar syrup. They melt in your mouth with every bite.
“Gourmet Bakers” across the country sell fresh gulab jamuns that are a must-try!
Drinks to Try
Chai
No meal is complete without chai (tea). It’s brewed with milk, sugar, and tea leaves, and sometimes spiced with cardamom or cinnamon. Every region has its version, but Karak chai, known for its thick, strong flavor, is a must-try.
If you’re in Islamabad, the “Chai Shai” café is a great spot for some good tea. In Lahore, you’ll find excellent street chai stalls around every corner.
Sharbat
Sharbat is a local drink made from flowers or herbs, mixed with water or milk. Most often, you’ll find it made with rose water (Rooh Afza) mixed with cold water for a refreshing summer drink. It’s especially common during Ramadan, but can be enjoyed year-round.
A bottle of Rooh Afza or fresh sharbat can be found at any local market.
Final Thoughts on Eating in Pakistan
Eating your way through Pakistan is more than a culinary experience—it’s a trip through centuries of history, culture, and tradition. The food here is bold, flavorful, and cooked with passion and love. Whether you fancy a quick snack from a street vendor or a full meal in a fancy restaurant, you’ll find something unforgettable everywhere you go.
So, when you’re in Pakistan, don’t just enjoy the sights—devour the tastes!
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