Pakistani cuisine is a channel of true colours of flavors where local cuisine highlights the cultural essence of Pakistan. Pakistani cuisine has everything from the traditional flavors of biryani spices to the slow-cooked gravies of nihari and haleem. Foodies fueling the street food scene will be happy to end up with recommended dishes like kebabs, samosas, and dahi bhalla for appetizers, and desserts like gulab jamun.

Enjoy a variety of typical Pakistani dishes or try new traditional breakfast dishes like Sri Pai and satisfy your palate with delicious and rich, exotic Pakistani cuisine. For foodies, the above-mentioned cuisines of Pakistan can be an open door to various aspects of Pakistan's food culture.

Biryani

Biryani is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes in Pakistan, known for its mild spices and the emotions associated with it. This fragrant basmati rice dish usually contains some form of spiced meat - chicken, beef, or mutton most often - but fish, prawns or vegetables steal the show here too. The preparation involves layer after layer of basmati rice flavored with spicy juices, fresh meat or vegetables, fried onions, yogurt and all spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.

Nihari

Nihari is a delicious slow-cooked beef stew, prepared with carefully selected spices and herbs, after marinating the meat before slow cooking. Originally a popular breakfast food in Pakistan, it can be eaten with naan and topped with toasted onions, chopped coriander, green chillies and lemon juice. Ideal for winter, this is a traditional Pakistani dish that gives a perfect warm and dense sensation with every spoonful.

Haleem

Haleem is easy on the stomach and light on the tongue, slow dishes made from wheat, barley and lentils and tender meats like chicken, beef or mutton. The thickness of this dish comes from the stewing process for several hours and hence the spice is very good. Along with haleem, served hot and garnished with fried onions, fresh coriander, green chillies, ginger and lemon, haleem is highly recommended in Pakistan. This is a comfort food. It seems that their favorite crown is best when needed especially on occasions and festive events.

Karahi

Karahi is a hot and spicy curry, usually prepared in a round base pan called a karahi. Both chicken and mutton have a base of steamed tomatoes, green chillies and fresh ginger with a rich tomato gravy. Foods like cinnamon, cumin, coriander and black pepper make food very spicy and vegetables thick and textured. Karahi is a staple in Pakistani cuisine and is served hot with steamed rice or fresh buttered naan, the sheer simplicity and deliciousness of this dish is unparalleled.

Chapli Kebab

Chapli Kebab is also a minced meat patty, originating from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with spices and fresh herbs and sometimes includes pomegranate seeds. It is prepared into flat discs, and fried to give them a crispy outside as they are soft and juicy inside. Usually served with warm naan roti, fresh salad, and/or cooling raita, chapli kebabs are local favorites and champions of spicy and textured dishes.

Samosas

Samosas are relatively thin, golden triangular-shaped appetizers and are usually filled with spiced potatoes, minced meat or lentils. Fried to a crisp, they are enjoyed at street stalls in Pakistan and more importantly as an Iftar special during the holy month of Ramadan. Paired with tangy tamarind chutney or mint curd, samosas are a perfect combination of crispy outer surfaces and delicious flavor on the inside, making them ideal for any time snack.

Aloo Gosht

Aloo gosh is a simple dish made from chunks of mutton or beef cooked in a fragrant curry with potatoes. The savoury and chunky gravy goes perfectly with the potatoes and makes this a delicious dish. Usually served with fresh homemade naan or steamed rice, aloo gosh has been a part of every Pakistani kitchen. Its comfort food has a classic appeal.

Saag

Saag is a type of Punjabi food that is slowly cooked with mustard greens and spinach in spices. This delicious and healthy creation is eaten frequently during the winter season and is traditionally served with makai ki roti (cornbread). Because of its mild, earthy flavour and texture, saag is, after all, the centrepiece of the Punjabi culinary experience.

Keema

Keema refers to meat cooked with beef or green peas and a choice of spices with the occasional addition of potatoes. This versatile dish is complete with a hot and aromatic flavor that has made it famous in Pakistani food culture. Deliciously served with hot parathas or plain steamed rice, keema is a hearty and delicious meal at any time of the day.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jaman is an ideal treat for all sugar lovers and involves dipping soft and gutta-based balls in rose water or cardamom-flavored sugar syrup. Covered in creamy, sugary syrup, these golden beauties are unique in both taste and texture, soft and moist, synonymous with festivals and a favourite in South Asian cuisine.

Shami Kebab

Shami Kebabs originated from Pakistan and are made with minced meat, gram dal and various spices. The ingredients are boiled until soft and then fried in small balls like peeled potatoes until brown. Yet they are crispy on the outside but soft on the inside and are often served with sauce, making them a delicious snack or appetizer for their richness of flavor and texture.

Dahi Bhalla

Dahi Bhalla is soft lentil fritters covered with creamy curd and mint chutney and garnished with various spices at the end. This dynamite and crunchy snack is both cold and spicy. So it can be tried as an appetizer in the summer season it is perfect.

Roghani Naan

Roghini naan is also a soft or crispy flatbread topped with sesame seeds and has a rich and slightly sweet taste. Served as a side dish with various curry dishes, or to complement creative kebabs, this naan ingredient is popular in Pakistan.

Pulao

Pulau is simply a rice dish cooked in a pot with meat or vegetables. Although Biryani isn't as widespread as it is a part of Pakistani cuisine, its simple flavors and homey nature make it a favorite of many. Perfect as a family dinner, Abar Abli Kaa Pilaf is a dish that will leave no one indifferent thanks to its filling.

Seekh Kebab

Kebabs are also known as minced meat prepared with spices and roasted on a stick like Saji to give a smoky essence. They are delicious and juicy and can be eaten with warm naan, cold raita or a crunchy salad or rice dish. They are favorite foods of Pakistani cuisine.

Dum Pukht

Dum Pakht is a wonderful slow-cooked meal that combines marinated meat portions and flavored rice in a sealed container. This style of cooking traces its roots to the Mughals. Juices and spices combine in a wonderful way to make food delicious. This is mainly because I end up with a delicious, soft and fragrant rice dish that is full of flavor and tastes like royalty.

Bhala Papri Chaat

Bhalla Papri Chaat is considered to be the top fast food of Pakistan which is prepared with crispy fried dough, boiled potatoes, chickpea curd and tamarind chutney. Chat garnish with three flavours of sweet, and spicy at the end to enhance the availability of the taste buds.

Kheer

This is one of the most tasty Indian sweets made from rice, milk, and sugar. Along with nuts like almonds, this delicious dessert is a favorite part of the food served at different festivals and other events. Delicious and high in sugar, they can help settle the stomach after a sumptuous dinner.

Fried Fish

Pakistani-style fried fish is usually marinated with spices and cooked in a deep fryer until it turns golden brown colour. This is a recurrent dish normally found in the coastal regions and is normally taken with naan or steamed rice and with a few mint chutney on the side.

Siri Paye

Sri Pai, literally goat's head and trotter, prepared as a curry, is very popular in Pakistan. In Lahore, this dish is considered a delicacy but is best enjoyed when eaten with naan.