Oh-So Delectable Pakistani Dishes: Food Tourism In Pakistan

Pakistan isn’t just a country of scenic beauty and rich history—it’s also home to an incredible array of flavorful dishes.

Pakistani cuisine is a blend of bold spices, hearty ingredients, and age-old traditions. Whether you’re a foodie or just love discovering new flavors, Pakistan’s dishes will surprise and delight you.

Here’s a list of some must-try Pakistani dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

You Can’t Just Miss These Pakistani Dishes: Flavorful And Hearty

Pakistani dishes have a great role to play in promoting tourism in the country. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) considers food in Pakistan as important as the beautiful landscape of the country in attracting tourists from various parts of the world.

Further, more women are becoming a part of the food sector in Pakistan, portraying a positive and inclusive picture of Pakistani tourism and economic empowerment.

So, with Pakistani food adding to the country’s pride, it’s time to explore the best you can indulge in.

1. Nihari – The National Dish Of Pakistan

Best Place to Have Nihari in Pakistan: Zahid Nihari Restaurant, Karachi (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Starting in Old Delhi, Nihari has made its way into Pakistani dishes, and it is the go-to dish to begin your culinary journey in Pakistan. In Pakistan, Nihari is usually made using boneless beef. However, you will also get Nihari with mutton and chicken.

It’s a slow-cooked magic with the right blend of whole flour or wheat flour and spices. It’s a comfort food, yet a flavor bomb with ingredients like caraway seeds (shah jeera), Indian Garam Masala, and long peppers.

Nihari is served with plain naan, butter naan, or tandoori roti. However, I prefer to have it with sheermaal.

Did You Know?

Nihari comes from the Arabic word Nahar. In Arabic, Nahar means flavorful first meal of the day. Nihari is a filling delicacy and eating it in the morning can be your fuel for the whole day.

2. Karahi – The Sizzling Delight

Best Place to Have Karahi: Butt Karahi By Usman Tahir, Islamabad (Google Rating: 4.6 Star)

Karahi chicken or mutton in a rich tomato-based sauce with a lot of spices. Also, you will love to have it sizzling hot.

The best part? It’s cooked in a special wok called a “karahi,” which gives it an extra kick of flavor. Pair it with naan for the perfect meal.

3. Seekh Kebabs – Grilled To Perfection

Best Place to Have Seekh Kebabs: Saeen Shahi Kabab, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

If you’re a fan of grilled food, you can’t miss out on Seekh Kebabs. These flavorful skewers of minced meat are mixed with spices and then grilled until smoky and juicy.

Served with tangy chutney, they are a popular street food, but you’ll also find them at any family barbecue.

4. Saag – A Punjabi Classic

Best Place to Have Saag: Andaaz Restaurant, Lahore (Google Rating: 4.3)

Saag is a hearty, comforting dish made from mustard greens or spinach, and slow cooking with spices makes it rich and creamy.

It’s usually paired with makki di roti (corn flatbread) and is especially popular in the Punjab region. This wholesome dish is a must-try, especially in the winter.

5. Paya – The Ultimate Comfort Soup

Best Place to Have Paya: Haneef Siri Paye, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Paya is a unique dish made from the slow-cooked trotters of cows or goats. It’s traditionally eaten for breakfast and is known for its rich, flavorful broth.

Served with naan, this dish is perfect for warming you up on a cold morning.

6. Paratha – The Ultimate Flatbread

Best Place to Have Paratha: Asad Paratha House (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Paratha is a crispy, buttery flatbread loved by all. Whether it’s served plain or stuffed with potatoes, meat, or eggs, it’s a breakfast staple across Pakistan.

Enjoy it with a cup of chai for the ultimate comfort food experience.

7. Dahi Bhalla – A Cool, Spicy Snack

Best Place to Have Dahi Bhalla: Amritsari Dahi Bhallay, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Dahi Bhalla is a popular street snack with lentil dumplings in creamy yogurt and with tamarind chutney and spices at the top.

It’s a refreshing yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a light snack or starter.

8. Biryani – The Slow-Cooked Magic

Best Place to Have Biryani: Karachi Biryani and Restaurant, Karachi (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Who does not love Biryani? From the Shahi (Royal) kitchen of the Awadhi Nababs, Biryani is now the choicest food for everyone (Aam Admi ka Khana).

The delicacy with layered meat and rice is slow-cooked, and all its flavors come from various spices like saffron, cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, and more!

Have it with Raita (a sour curd mix with cucumber and onion slices) or Burani to complement your palette and promote faster digestion.

Pakistani or Karachi Biryani is now available in Hyderabad, a city proud and possessive about its version of Biryani (Hyderabadi Biryani). Hyderabad is famous for its rich food history.

Teri Meri Biryani at Tolichowki, Hyderabad, is now serving Karachi Biryani with Aloo (potatoes).

9. Haleem – The Comfort Food

Best Place to Have Haleem: Karachi Haleem – DHA Branch, Karachi (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A sticky consistency and gentle spicing make Haleem one of my favorite Pakistani dishes. It’s slow-cooked, and it’s like the comfort chicken broth your grandmom makes when you are sick.

You can have beef or mutton Haleem, depending on your choice. With the richness of barley and lentils, Haleem goes with rice, roti, and naan.

10. Mutton Champ/Chaap/Chop – Flavor In Every Bite

Best Place to Have Mutton Champ: Jawa Restaurant Iqbal Town, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

You can expect a lot of variety in a dish when it already has so many variations in its name. The meat chopped from a larger piece is made moist with yogurt, and I have seen some use shredded papaya for extra tenderness.

Nevertheless, in my experience, the taste of mutton champ is different in every place. It changes based on the time of frying and the “secret” spice mix added to it.

Another great thing about mutton chaamp is its versatility. You can have it with green chutney as a starter and with dal and roti/naan/paratha in your lunch or dinner.

11. Zarda – A Sweet Note

Best Place to Have Zarda: Karachi Foods, Karachi (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Only if I could tell you how I crave Zarda every Eid, and for me, the festival is incomplete without having this dream dessert. The Kesari (saffron) color of Zarda or sweet rice is delightful and the crunch of the dry fruits perfectly complements the tenderness of the sweet rice.

The subtle flavor of cardamom makes it even more delicious.

12. Gajrela – The Ultimate Delight

Best Place to Have Gajrela: Taj Mahal Sweets, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Gajrela or Gajar ka Halwa is a carrot-based dessert made in clarified butter. It’s a simple dessert and its richness comes from the use of ghee and dry fruits.

It’s a regular sweet dish at parties, festivals, and weddings in this part of the world.

13. Aloo Gobi – The Veg Alternative You Will Love

Aloo Gobi is a delicious alternative to all the meat delicacies you have been tasting so far. It’s a simple dish with cauliflower florets and cubed potatoes.

The simple “Tarka” of whole cumin seeds (Jeera) and dried red chili makes all the difference to the dish. However, I often add two or three green cardamom to the Tarka for some extra flavor.

Further, to make the dish perfect, you have to ensure that the florets and potato cubes are cooked just right. Otherwise, you will miss the crunch of the florets.

Have Aloo Gobi with Parathas, Rotis, Puris, or Naan.

Best Place to Have Aloo Gobi: Spice Bazaar, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

14. Doodh-Pati – A Breakfast Staple

Doodh-Pati is actually a beverage and a breakfast staple in Pakistani households. It can make your Nihari time more special, and its richness keeps you going in the morning.

Doodh-Pati is made by boiling black tea leaves in cardamom-infused milk. Its light brown hue and aroma are a pleasure to the senses. You can easily make it at home and customize it by adding flavors of your choice.

Best Place to Have Doodh Pati: Chaayé Khana, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

15. Dal Chawal – The Comforting Ghar Ka Khana

Best Place to Have Dal Chawal: Sabir Daal Chawal, Lahore (Google Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Dal Chawal is the ultimate comfort food for a large population in the entire subcontinent. Having the rice (Chawal) with flavorful Dal is the ultimate luxury you crave as you come home after a tiring day.

Masoor Dal, Chana Dal, Tarka Dal, and Masar Dal are the varieties you will love with plain white rice. However, the Tarka or the whole spices added to the Dal make it taste different at every place. Every family kitchen has a secret recipe for dal, and that’s the beauty of “Ghar Ka Khana.”

Want More Pakistani Food Inspiration?

If these dishes have you craving more, dive deeper into the world of Pakistani cuisine with this detailed guide on Famous Pakistani Dishes You Must Try.

Discover more mouth-watering dishes that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey through Pakistan’s diverse flavors.

Did You Know?

Taj Mahal, a Pakistani restaurant run by Atif Noman, was the go-to place for Indian shooters during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“I only eat vegetarian food on Saturdays and they don’t serve that in the Village. They have fish or eggs in their vegan spreads. Everything is so bland so we found this restaurant, and it serves good food.”

Prithviraj Tondaiman, Member of Indian Shooting Team, Paris Olympics 2024

Pakistani Food Tourism Is Becoming More Vivid With The Inclusion Of “Pure Veg Indian Food”

Pakistan’s food scene is as rich and vibrant as its culture. Pakistani dishes offer a unique taste, from the spicy and bold to the simple and satisfying.

Whether you’re enjoying a sizzling Karahi or indulging in a crispy Paratha, Pakistani food is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Moreover, with the changing food scenario, people in Karachi have become inclined to “Pure Veg Indian Food.” So, in Pakistan, you can also indulge in delicacies like “Dhokla,” “Masala Dosa,” “Alu Tikki,” “Dal Samosa,” etc.

“Our Soyabean Aloo Biryani, Aloo Tikkis, Paneer Karahi, and Mixed Vegetables are famous, and we witness a lot of rush during lunchtime with a lot of takeaways and deliveries as well,”

Mahesh Kumar, Owner, Maharaj Karamchand Vegetarian Foods Inn, M A Jinnah Road

So, if you’re a food lover, be sure to add these dishes to your bucket list!

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