Pakistan is a food heaven with a combination of spicy street food, nutritious curries, smoked barbeque and sweet desserts. Lahore with its well-known Karahi breakfast and Halwa puri breakfast and Islamabad with its Chapli Kebabs and Karachi with its spicy Biryani, each city has its special dish. Home-cooked meals are incomparable, however, the food streets of Pakistan, small restaurants, and legendary establishments offer the visiting traveler memorable culinary experiences. Whether you know you are a vegetarian, a meat lover, or a mere foodie, this final Pakistan Foodie Guide will ensure that you are able to try the top dishes and restaurants in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and even in the north like Gilgit-Baltistan.
Famous Foods in Major Cities
The food in Pakistan differs greatly in cities. Lahore is regarded as the city of foods whose food is rich in Punjabi cuisine and Islamabad provides a blend of modern twist in fusion. Karachi has its spicy street foods and Biryani, whilst Gilgit-Baltistan offers lighter snack-style food with mountain influences such as Chapshuro and Yak Burgers.
| City | Must-Try Dish | Popular Spot | Specialty |
| Lahore | Chicken Karahi | Butt Karahi, Lakshmi Chowk | Sizzling wok-style Karahi |
| Islamabad | Beef Paratha + Chai | Quetta Tea & Teas | Breakfast favorite |
| Karachi | Beef Biryani & Bun Kebab | Super Biryani, Burns Road | Famous spicy Biryani |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | Chapshuro & Yak Burger | Hunza Food Pavilion, Yak Grill | Mountain cuisine |
| Rawalpindi | Samosa Chat & Lassi | Samosa House, Lassi Ji | Street snacks |
Tips for Travelers
- The cards are not accepted in a number of local restaurants, always carrying cash.
- Family rooms in restaurants may be designated to women.
- Not to be missed are food streets such as the Gawalmandi and the Burns Road in Karachi and Lahore respectively.
- Always sample the home made beverages such as Lassi or Chai with your meals.
FAQs
Q1: What are the Pakistani National Dishes?
It is said that nose Nihari is the national dish.
Q2: Is the food in Pakistan so spicy?
Yes, however at most places you may request mild versions.
Q3: Are vegetarians able to easily get food in Pakistan?
There are very few options however, Dal, Chana, and Aloo Gobi are standard dishes.
Q4: What is the food capital of Pakistan?
Lahore is rather famous as a foodie of Pakistan.
Q5: What is the most popular dessert that travelers have to experience?
Popular are kheer and rabri and local ice creams.
Read : Beaking And Most Popular Places In Pakistan