20 Delicious and Yummy Reasons to Visit Pakistan

Pakistani foods are so delicious and attracting people into Pakistan.pakistani foods and indian foods are likely same.

With the recent visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to Pakistan, all eyes are on this diverse and vibrant country. Pakistan, surrounded by China, Afghanistan, Iran, and India, boasts a population of over 200 million people and is known for its geographical and linguistic diversity. However, one thing that unites Pakistanis is their love for delicious cuisine, bursting with flavors and colors. If you're planning a trip to Pakistan, here are 20 mouthwatering dishes you must try:

Starters or Bigginers of indroductory popular finger food

1. Pakoras: These crispy and fried fritters are a popular finger food served as starters or side dishes. Thinly sliced vegetables are dipped in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-fried to perfection. Don't miss the fish pakoras if you prefer a meaty opoption.

2. Kabab: Pakistani cuisine offers various types of kebabs as snacks or appetizers. Seekh kebabs, made with ground meat grilled on skewers, are a must-try. You should also try the chapli kebabs, known for their sandal shape, and the shami kebabs made with minced meat, split chickpeas, onion, mint, green chili, and egg.

Snack

3. Gol Gappa: This popular street food, also known as pani puri, used to be sold by cart-pushing vendors announcing their presence with melodious calls. Though less common now, gol gappas remain beloved by all. The crispy round shell is filled with a mixture of tamarind chutney, chilli, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas, and served with spicy tamarind dip.

Meat Dishes

4. Biryani: Originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, this aromatic rice dish is often served on special occasions. Chicken biryani is a favorite, but you can also enjoy it with lamb or beef. The meat and rice are cooked separately before being layered and cooked together with an array of spices.

5. Haleem: A warm and comforting dish, haleem is made by slow-cooking a combination of lentils, wheat, barley, and minced beef (or other meats) with gentle spices. Constant stirring gives it a sticky consistency.

6. Paya (Curry): Paya curry, made with goat trotters, is a hearty and warming dish often enjoyed on cold winter mornings. Slow-cooking allows the spices to infuse into the tender meat, creating a flavorful curry with a soup-like consistency.

7. Nihari: Traditionally served on special occasions, Nihari consists of slow-cooked lamb shank, including the bone marrow. The flavor intensifies as it cooks for a longer period of time. Previously cooked overnight, nowadays it is usually prepared for a few hours.

Vegetarian Delicacies

8. Tarka Daal: Despite the meat-heavy reputation of Pakistani cuisine, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian options. Tarka daal refers to the finishing process of lentil dishes. Once the lentils are cooked, a mixture of fried onions, cumin seeds, and crushed garlic cloves is added to the daal without stirring, creating a sizzling sosound.

9. Lobia Daal: Black-eyed peas curry, known as lobia daal, is a healthy and protein-rich choice. Soaking the peas overnight and cooking them with a tomato base enhances the flavors. Enjoy it with roti (flatbread) or rice.

10. Karela: Bitter melon, also called karela, is known for its health benefits. In Pakistan, it is commonly prepared using onions, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, coriander powder, and a hint of cumin seeds. Despite its sour taste, karela is cherished for its medicinal properties.

11. Baingan: Egg plant curry is a quick and easy-to-make dish. By frying onions, garlic, ginger, and adding spices like chili powder, salt, turmeric, and cumin seeds, a flavorful masala base is created. Chopped eggplant and optional potatoes are added, and the mixture is cooked until the flavors meld together. Roasting the eggplant beforehand adds a smoky flavor.

12. Aloo Gobi: A Pakistani favorite from Punjab province, aloo gobi is a simple yet delicious potato and cauliflower curry. Timing is crucial to ensure that the potatoes and cauliflower florets cook perfectly. Slightly larger florets prevent them from disintegrating before the potatoes are done.

Traditional Bread

13. Paratha: Pakistanis excel at creating melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads like roti and naan, but the paratha, made with clarified butter, is a special indulgence. Whether plain or filled with mincemeat, potato, or radish, parathas make a delightful breakfast.

Sweet Treats

14. Gajrela (Gajar ka Halwa): This flavorful dessert is made with grated carrots, nuts, milk, sugar, and clarified butter. Best enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream, gajrela is a popular choice at weddings and parties.

15. Zarda: A colorful sweet rice dish traditionally served on special occasions, zarda is made with sugar, milk, food coloring, and flavored with cardamom. It can be yellow or multicolored with various food cocolorings.

16. Kheer: A creamy and thick rice pudding, kheer is often enjoyed at weddings and during celebrations like Eid al-Fitr. Slow-cooked with milk, rice, sugar, and infused with cardamom, it is garnished with crushed pistachios and can be enjoyed hot or cocold.

17. Halwa Poori and Channa: This breakfast combo of deep-fried bread (poori), sweet semolina halwa, and savory chickpea curry (channa) is a breakfast of champions. It is traditionally eaten on Eid morning and is also a popular street food breakfast or brunch option.

18. Falooda: During the hot summer days, falooda stands out as a delightful  dessert. This exceptional treat combines ingredients like milk, rose syrup, ice cream, jelly, vermicelli, and basil seeds. The inclusion of basil seeds in this dessert contributes to its cooling properties, offering a soothing sensation.

Drinks

19. Gulabi Chai: Gulabi Chai, also referred to as Kashmiri tea, is a conventional drink prepared by combining tea leaves, salt, milk, and a dash of baking soda, resulting in a delicate shade of pink. It is often garnished with crushed pistachios and served with nuts and dry fruit.

20. Mango Lassi: This mango-flavored yogurt-based drink is a delightful dessert in a glass. Perfect for hot days, mango lassi is an amazing, refreshing and delicious choice to savor during your trip.

Experience The Incredible Flavors of Pakistan

Get ready to embark on a food adventure and experience the incredible flavors of Pakistan. This country is a treasure trove of delicious dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From savory appetizers to irresistible desserts and refreshing drinks, Pakistani cuisine has something for everyone. When you visit Pakistan, be sure to explore and try these 20 amazing dishes that highlight the diverse and vibrant world of Pakistani food. Get ready to treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary journey.