Pakistani cuisine is defined by flavorful spicy preparations due to a strong influence of Indo-Aryan and Mughal cultures. Wheat and paddy, being abundantly produced, are two of the most staple items used for preparing various dishes, from sweet to savory. Spices like chili powder, turmeric, cinnamon, garam masala, and black pepper are also used profusely. The provinces of Punjab and Sindh offer distinctive yet delicious dishes defining the taste of the nation.
Nihari
This dish is truly a game-changer for me when it comes to Pakistani cuisine. I would easily consider this among the best breakfasts I have ever had anywhere in the world. Nihari begins as a heap of dry spices frying in vegetable oil and animal fat. The meat ingredients follow (most commonly beef shank), and a very healthy portion of Desi Ghee (home-made local clarified butter). The slow-cooking stew is then stirred altogether in a glorious cauldron of a pot. The consistency is oozing and thick, so full of ultra-tender meat chunks literally floating in desi ghee. It has a deep red color from the spice and infused ghee.
Kabuli Pulao
Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, lies just a few hours from the KP Province (North-Western border) of Pakistan. Imagine Silk Road traders creating the first dishes of Kabuli Pulao right here in Western Pakistan. Pulao can be made with any size grain of rice, which the chef always fries in oil while stirring in large amounts of dry spices. Usually, there will be a chunk of mutton or beef meat, sometimes an entire leg, at the heart of each massive batch.
Karahi
Karahi is one of the best of all Pakistani food, and is dear to the hearts of all Pakistanis. You can find Karahi is cooking in the smallest roadside shop, or in the palatial kitchen of a local Rajah.
The dish takes its name from the black, iron, scoop-shape pan. Usually a karahi curry is made with goat, but also commonly with chicken or even shrimp. The metal dish can then be its own serving bowl, sizzling hot coming straight to the center of your table.
Chapli Kebab
A traditional kebab using minced beef and spices, garnished with parsley, tomatoes, and onions. Alternatively known as “Peshawari Kebab”, this is prepared in a Mughal culinary style. It is now commonly seen in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region as street food. This crispy item is usually consumed with pickles or salads for an optimum taste.
Halwa Puri
If there's one special Pakistani food breakfast that loved by all, it would have to be halwa puri. Known for causing feelings of extreme satisfaction, even to the point of laziness, for the remainder of the day. Halwa Puri is one of the most common breakfasts you'll have in Pakistan. These puris are thinly rolled dough, forming endlessly ultra-crispy layers, the folding style of which causes it to puff up immediately when submerging in boiling oil or desi ghee. Halwa is then a sweet pudding like dish made from semolina which is served along with the puris. However, along with halwa and puri, you also typically get some chickpea curry. Grab a crunchy handful of hot puri, and scoop up as much of whichever side dish is in reach. Lick your fingers, smile, and repeat. You can alternate bites of sweet halwa and spicy chickpeas.
Haleem
A slow-cooked meat stew consumed during their religious festive months, Muharram and Ramadan. It is also considered a popular street food of Pakistan.This dish shows the influence on Pakistan that comes from the Middle East, and people have been enjoying Haleem here for centuries.
Slow-cooking, for up to an entire day, on very low heat is a technique used to give haleem its warm, home-cooked flavor.
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