Pakistan is a diverse nation in terms of geography and language. With a population of over 200 million, this multi-ethnic nation shares borders with Iran, China, India, and Afghanistan.
Pakistanis have an intense love for their food, which is vibrant and flavourful. It is worth getting to know Pakistani cuisine for its delicious flavour. You will come across several amazing dishes in this culinary landscape, where each dish is rooted in centuries-old customs and methods.
Pakistan’s culinary customs reflect a fusion of tastes and cooking styles from different regions like the Middle East, West, Central, and South Asia, and India.
You can have a gastronomic tour of restaurants in Pakistan if you are a gourmand. You can find several airlines operating regular flights to Pakistan from the UAE. Making a PIA booking in advance will help you fly comfortably in any travel class, like Executive Economy Class, Business Class, and Economy Class.
This culinary tour of Pakistani cuisine is sure to stimulate your appetite.
1. Biryani
Image Resource : unsplash.com
Biryani, more than just a dish, represents Pakistani cuisine. It is a harmonious blend of tastes and fragrances that narrates the tale of ancient customs and diverse cultural influences, which you must experience.
Long-grain basmati rice covered with marinated meat (often chicken or mutton) and cooked at low heat, called dum, is the hallmark of a traditional Pakistani biryani. Yoghurt and a mixture of spices, including coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala, are usually added to the meat marinate.
Garnishing includes mint leaves, fried onions, boiled eggs, and lemon slices. Ingredients used contribute to the intricate flavour character, making biryani so adored.
Pakistan’s diverse population is reflected in the variety of its biryani. Karachi biryani is a spicy dish that is made with potatoes. Another well-liked variety, Sindhi biryani, is renowned for its tart flavour. However, the biryani from Lahore tends to have a softer flavour profile, with less heat and more aromatic whole spices like green cardamom and cloves.
2. Haleem
The Pakistani lunch menu is not complete without Haleem. Arab soldiers brought this dish, which has its origin in the Arabic dish, Harees.
It is prepared using wheat, barley, chickpeas, and beef, which are the main ingredients. This thickened stew is well-liked throughout the nation, especially for the delicious street cuisine from Pakistan, as well as throughout Central Asia, the Middle East, and India. Pakistanis have this dish year-round, even during Muharram and Ramadan.
3. Chicken Nihari
A delicious take on a traditional Pakistani dish for breakfast is chicken nihari. How about waking up to the delicious aroma of perfectly cooked, slow-cooked chicken stew that has simmered all night?
When cloves, cumin, cardamom, and other fragrant spices are slow-cooked with the meat, it develops a deep flavour. This delight is ideal to eat with naan or rice because of its spicy flavour and soft meat.
4. Chapshurro
The northern part of Pakistan, which includes the mountainous region of Gilgit Baltistan, is famous for Chapshurro. Here, yak meat is called “Chap”, which is mainly used in this delicacy. When the weather is cool, travellers love to eat this dish that is prepared on a steel plate, especially a convex one.
It’s a simple yet adaptable dish made of chopped beef sandwiched between two flatbreads, made with wheat. You can find some versions using beef or lamb too. Other than the primary proteins, Chapshurro also has flavours of onions, pepper, and sweet carrots.
5. Seekh Kabab
Image Resource : unsplash.com
People, irrespective of their age, adore this iconic Pakistani delicacy, seekh kabab. This grilled meat dish is prepared by using different herbs and spices by skewering minced meat, especially lamb on a long skewer.
Popular throughout South Asia and Pakistan, these kebabs are a tribute to the skill of combining flavours and textures. The versatility of Chicken Seekh Kebab is what makes it so intriguing. These kababs are a culinary marvel where every bite reveals a tale of creativity and tradition. They come with a delicious blend of cool mint chutney and spicy spices.
The fact that this grilled meat is cooked in a mangal, called a tandoor oven, will bring forth a unique smoky flavour. People in Pakistan typically serve it with roti or naan, chutney, fries, and salads for a great experience.
6. Tarka Dal
Despite the seemingly meat-heavy menu, Pakistani food offers a wide variety of delicious vegetarian options. Since the term “tarka” describes the method used to serve lentils, tarka dal can be made using a variety of dal. The tarka is added after the lentils are cooked well. Then, onions, garlic, cloves, and cumin seeds are sautéed in a separate pan before adding to the dal.
To try these traditional Pakistani dishes, which arouse your curiosity, right away, make your PIA booking to Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore now.