Pakistan is a country of geographical and linguistic diversity. However, there’s common ground to be found in Pakistan’s food. Pakistanis are passionate about their cuisine, which is full of flavor and bursting with color. And they love to eat.
Here are some of the best dishes to try :
1-Biryani & Pulao
Thought to have developed in the royal kitchens of the 16th-19th century Mughal Empire, this rice dish is often served on special occasions.
It can be made with lamb or beef but chicken biryani is a favorite.
The meat and rice are cooked separately before being layered and cooked together with an assortment of spices.
2-Nihari
The name nihari derives from the Arabic “nahar,” meaning “morning”. It is said that the Nawabs of Old Delhi would enjoy the dish in the early morning, after fajr (sunrise prayers). The curry was so hearty it was typical to nap after indulging! After Pakistan’s independence in 1947, immigrants from Delhi brought nihari to Karachi, where it developed such a reputation it’s now widely regarded as Pakistan’s national dish.
3-Paaye
Paaya is a traditional Pakistani dish made with the trotters (feet) of either goat or cow, with the latter an inexpensive alternative due to the comparative toughness of the meat.
Paaya is a unifying dish, as people from all walks of life across all provinces of Pakistan savor the uniquely tender meat with rich and fiery flavors. Use fresh roti, naan, or other flatbread to mop up the unctuous and spicy curry for breakfast or as a late-night comfort food.
4-Haleem
Haleem is another Pakistani stew dish that takes a very long time to prepare. It is a mixture of several Pakistani staples, such as wheat, barley, and minced meat (mutton, beef or chicken). The preparation traditionally takes a long time because the lentils and special spices take a long time to combine with the minced meat properly. The result is a unique and flavorful paste that will fulfill your hankering.
5-Sajji
This dish originates from the Balochistan province in Pakistan and consists of marinated, skewered, and roasted whole lamb or chicken. Usually served with rice cooked inside or traditional Kaak bread, this is the ultimate flavor bomb where the meat flavors have obtained a unique and smokey flavor from roasting.
6-Chapli Kabab
A specialty of Pashtun cuisine, this spicy meat patty is prepared with a combination of minced beef or mutton. The unique taste of chapli kabab comes from spices such as dried coriander and pomegranate seeds, green chillis, and mint.
Its name is derived from a Pashto word chaprikh, meaning flat, and even though chapli kabab is often said to have originated in Peshawar, today it stands as a favorite throughout Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Chapli kababs are traditionally served with yogurt sauce, salads, and naan bread.
7- Karrahi Gosht
Named for the deep, circular, and concave-bottomed cooking pan, typically made of cast iron or steel, karahi refers to a thick, richly fragrant, tomato-based curry made with chicken, lamb, or beef. Evidence suggests that the Indus Valley Civilisation, which formed in modern-day Pakistan, was cooking early interpretations of a curry comparable to karahi as early as 2500 B.C. (via Slate).
Archaeologists at Washington State University confirmed the use of spices such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic in the area, highlighting their ancient history.
8- Halwa Puri
9-Saag
Saag, or palak, dishes are spiced purees of spinach or other greens common in northern India and eastern Pakistan. They often contain additional ingredients such as potatoes, fresh cheese, chicken or chickpeas to make a more substantial dish.
Saag makes a tasty and nourishing meal when paired with chapati or naan
10-Samosas
It is said that the popular, golden-brown snack travelled to India along the old trade routes from Central Asia, which is why samosas are also prevelent in Middle Eastern countries where they are typically served for Ramadan.
Due to their crunchy texture and a variety of different flavors, samosas provide a perfect introduction to the world of Indian cuisine for newcomers. These deep-fried, triangular pastries are filled with a variety of ingredients ranging from vegetables to meat, such as onions, lentils, spiced potatoes, peas, or ground meat.
11- Paratha
Pakistanis make a range of perfect melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads including roti and naans but the paratha, made with clarified butter is a particularly delicious indulgence.
Eaten for breakfast, you can go for the plain option but there are also various fillings to choose from including mincemeat, potato or the mooli paratha – made with a radish filling.
See this also