Pakistani food is full of taste, color, and strong flavors. Every dish is made with special spices that make it delicious and unique.
Different parts of Pakistan have their own famous dishes. For example, Karachi is known for biryani, Lahore for nihari, and Peshawar for chapli kebab. These foods are not just meals—they’re a big part of family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday life.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular Pakistani foods that people enjoy all over the country and even in other parts of the world.
Top 15 Most Popular Pakistani Foods You Must Try
Pakistani food is full of strong flavors, tasty spices, and warm traditions. From spicy curries to mouthwatering grilled meat, every dish has a story and a unique taste. In this article, we’ll take you on a delicious journey through 15 of the most loved Pakistani dishes. These foods are famous not just in Pakistan, but all over the world.
1. Biryani
Biryani is one of the most loved rice dishes in Pakistan and many other South Asian countries. It’s made by cooking rice with meat, spices, and sometimes potatoes. The result is a tasty and aromatic meal that’s full of flavor.
What’s in Biryani?
The main ingredients in biryani are:
-
Meat: Usually chicken, beef, mutton, or goat.
-
Rice: Long-grain basmati rice is used for its nice smell and soft texture.
-
Spices: Like turmeric, chili powder, cumin, cardamom, and cloves.
-
Extras: Fried onions, fresh mint, coriander, yogurt, and sometimes boiled eggs or potatoes.
-
Color: Orange or yellow food color or saffron is added to give the rice its beautiful look.
Popular Types of Biryani
There are many different types of biryani. Some popular ones are:
-
Karachi Biryani: Spicy and full of strong flavors. It’s made with lots of masala, green chilies, and tomatoes.
-
Sindhi Biryani: Famous for adding potatoes along with meat. It has a rich and tangy taste.
-
Hyderabadi Biryani: From India, this one is cooked on low heat so the flavors mix well. It’s often less spicy and more aromatic.
-
Mughlai Biryani: A milder version with dry fruits and nuts, giving it a royal taste.
Why People Love Biryani
Biryani is not just food — it’s a part of culture. It’s served at weddings, Eid, and family gatherings. It brings people together and is enjoyed by both kids and adults.
In cities like Karachi, biryani is everywhere — from street stalls to fancy restaurants. Many people eat it with raita (yogurt sauce), salad, and cold drinks.
2.What is Nihari?
Nihari is a popular dish made with slow-cooked beef or mutton. The meat is cooked for many hours until it becomes very soft and tasty. It has a rich, spicy gravy and is mostly eaten with naan bread.
Nihari was first eaten early in the morning for breakfast, especially in winters. But now, people enjoy it at any time of the day — usually on weekends or special occasions.
What’s Inside Nihari?
Nihari is full of strong and delicious flavors. It is made with:
-
Beef or mutton (with bones for extra flavor)
-
Spices like red chili, ginger, garlic, and special nihari masala
-
A little flour to make the gravy thick
-
Ghee or oil for rich taste
The meat is cooked slowly, which makes it tender and full of flavor.
How Do You Eat Nihari?
Nihari is always served hot and fresh, usually with:
-
Naan or kulcha (soft bread)
-
Sliced ginger
-
Fresh lemon juice
-
Green chilies
-
Coriander leaves
Some people like to add nalli (bone marrow) or maghaz (brain) for more taste.
Why People Love Nihari
People love Nihari because it’s warm, spicy, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel full and happy. Many families enjoy it together, especially on weekends or special days.
In cities like Karachi and Lahore, you’ll find many famous Nihari shops that serve their own special recipe.
3.What Are Seekh Kebabs?
Seekh Kebabs are long, tasty kebabs made from minced meat like beef, chicken, or mutton. The meat is mixed with spices, shaped onto skewers (seekh), and then grilled or cooked over a fire. That’s why they’re called “seekh” kebabs.
They are juicy, spicy, and have a smoky flavor, making them a favorite food in BBQs, family meals, and street stalls.
What’s in Seekh Kebabs?
To make Seekh Kebabs, these ingredients are usually used:
-
Minced meat (beef, chicken, or mutton)
-
Onions, green chilies, ginger, and garlic
-
Fresh mint and coriander
-
Spices like chili powder, cumin, garam masala
-
Sometimes egg or breadcrumbs to help hold the shape
All these are mixed together and shaped into long kebabs. Then they are grilled until they are brown and slightly crispy outside, but soft and juicy inside.
How Do You Eat Them?
Seekh Kebabs are best served hot with:
-
Green chutney (spicy mint sauce)
-
Lemon slices
-
Onion rings
-
Paratha or naan
Many people also love them in a kebab roll — wrapped in paratha with chutney and salad inside. It’s a quick and tasty snack.
Why People Love Them
People love Seekh Kebabs because they’re:
-
Full of flavor
-
Easy to eat
-
Great with many sides
They are a popular choice at:
-
BBQ parties
-
Eid gatherings
-
Weddings
-
Street food shops
4. Halwa Puri
Halwa Puri is a very popular traditional breakfast in Pakistan. It’s a tasty mix of sweet halwa, spicy chickpeas (chana), and crispy fried bread called puri. People usually eat it on weekends, holidays, or on special mornings like Eid.
It’s not just food — it’s a fun and filling meal that brings joy to the table.
What’s in a Halwa Puri Plate?
A full Halwa Puri breakfast usually includes:
-
Puri – thin, round bread that is deep-fried until it puffs up and turns golden brown
-
Halwa – a sweet dish made from semolina (sooji), sugar, ghee, and dry fruits like almonds or raisins
-
Spicy chana – cooked chickpeas with onions, tomatoes, and spices
-
Sometimes served with potato curry (aloo) or pickle (achar) for extra taste
Each bite gives a mix of sweet, spicy, and crispy flavors.
When Do People Eat It?
Halwa Puri is often enjoyed:
-
On weekend mornings with family
-
During festivals and celebrations like Eid
-
At street food stalls or local restaurants (especially on Sundays)
It’s common to see people lining up early in the morning just to enjoy a hot and fresh plate of Halwa Puri.
Why Everyone Loves Halwa Puri
People love Halwa Puri because:
-
It’s tasty and satisfying
-
The mix of flavors is fun to eat
-
It’s a special meal that reminds people of good times
-
It’s great for sharing with family and friends
Whether at home or outside, it always feels like a treat.
5.What is Chicken Karahi?
Chicken Karahi is a very popular and tasty chicken curry in Pakistan. It’s cooked in a special deep pan called a karahi, which is like a small wok. That’s where it gets its name from!
It’s known for its spicy, rich flavor and is usually eaten hot with naan or roti.
What’s in Chicken Karahi?
Chicken Karahi is made with simple but flavorful ingredients. It includes:
-
Chicken pieces (with or without bones)
-
Fresh tomatoes
-
Ginger and garlic paste
-
Green chilies
-
Spices like red chili, black pepper, salt, cumin, and garam masala
-
A little yogurt (in some versions)
-
Oil or ghee
-
Fresh coriander and ginger slices for garnish
The chicken is cooked with the tomatoes and spices until the gravy becomes thick and the oil comes to the top — that’s when you know it’s ready!
How Do You Eat It?
Chicken Karahi tastes best when it’s:
-
Served hot and fresh
-
Eaten with naan or tandoori roti
-
Enjoyed with raita (yogurt sauce), salad, or onions
-
Some people also like it with plain rice, but naan is more common
A squeeze of lemon juice on top adds extra flavor!
Why People Love It
People love Chicken Karahi because:
-
It’s full of flavor and spice
-
It’s made fresh and hot, often right in front of you at restaurants
-
It’s perfect for family dinners, special events, or weekend meals
-
It’s part of Pakistani food tradition
In cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar, karahi shops are famous. You’ll often see big karahis sizzling at roadside dhabas and restaurants.
6. Saag and Makki di Roti
Saag and Makki di Roti is a traditional Punjabi dish that’s mostly eaten in winter. It’s a comforting and healthy meal made with saag (a thick green curry made from mustard leaves) and makki di roti (flatbread made from corn flour).
This dish is very popular in Punjab, both in Pakistan and India, and is known for its rich taste and cultural value.
What is Saag?
Saag means “green leaves” in Punjabi. The most common saag is made from:
-
Mustard leaves (sarson)
-
Sometimes spinach (palak) and fenugreek leaves (methi) are added too
These green leaves are:
-
Washed and boiled
-
Then mashed or blended
-
And slowly cooked with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and some spices
To make it even more flavorful, people often add a spoon of ghee (clarified butter) or desi makhan (homemade butter) on top.
The result is a thick, creamy, and slightly spicy curry that’s both healthy and tasty.
What is Makki di Roti?
Makki di Roti is a type of flatbread made with cornmeal (makki ka atta). It has a beautiful golden yellow color and a unique earthy taste.
It is made by:
-
Kneading corn flour with warm water
-
Carefully flattening the dough (it breaks easily)
-
Cooking it on a hot tawa (flat pan)
-
And finishing it with a spread of butter or ghee
It’s often served hot, fresh, and soft — the perfect match for saag.
What Makes This Dish Special?
Saag and Makki di Roti is not just a meal — it’s part of Punjabi tradition. People love it because:
-
It’s made with seasonal, fresh greens
-
It’s full of nutrients and fiber
-
It gives warmth and strength in winter
-
It reminds people of home, family, and village life
Many families enjoy it together on weekends, especially during cold days. It’s also a common meal during Punjabi festivals like Lohri or Mela celebrations.
What to Eat With It?
To complete the meal, people usually add:
-
A spoon of white butter (makhan) on top of the saag
-
A glass of lassi (a yogurt-based drink)
-
Some jaggery (gur) or pickle (achar) on the side
-
And maybe some onions or green chilies for extra spice
7. Pulao
Pulao is a delicious and simple rice dish made with meat or vegetables and light spices. It’s not too spicy, which makes it perfect for both kids and adults. Pulao is a common dish in Pakistani and Indian homes, usually eaten for lunch, dinner, or even at small gatherings.
What’s in Pulao?
Pulao is made using easy and everyday ingredients like:
-
Basmati rice (long, fragrant rice)
-
Meat like chicken, beef, or mutton – or just vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes
-
Whole spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves
-
Onions, garlic, and ginger for flavor
-
A bit of oil or ghee for cooking
-
Salt and mild masala (not too spicy)
The rice is cooked in meat or vegetable broth, which gives it a nice smell and taste.
How is Pulao Different from Biryani?
Pulao is often compared to biryani, but it’s quite different. Here’s how:
-
Pulao is lighter and less spicy
-
All the ingredients are cooked together in one pot
-
It has a softer taste and is easy to digest
-
Biryani is layered, more spicy, and made for special occasions
Pulao is a great choice for everyday meals.
What Do You Eat with Pulao?
Pulao is usually served with:
-
Raita – a cool yogurt sauce with mint or cucumber
-
Simple salad – like onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers
-
Pickle (achar) or green chutney for extra flavor
You can also enjoy it on its own — it’s a full meal by itself!
Why People Love Pulao
People enjoy Pulao because:
-
It’s easy to make and quick to cook
-
It has a nice, gentle flavor
-
It’s healthy and filling
-
It’s great for lunchboxes, family meals, or when guests come over
There are many types of pulao, such as:
-
Chicken Pulao
-
Beef Yakhni Pulao (cooked in meat broth)
-
Matar Pulao (with green peas)
-
Vegetable Pulao
Each type has its own special taste!
8. Payee
Payee is a thick and tasty curry made from the feet of a cow or goat. The meat becomes very soft and sticky after cooking for a long time. It has a deep, rich flavor and is loved by many people, especially in Pakistan and India.
This dish is mostly eaten in the morning, especially on weekends or in winter, and is often enjoyed with naan or kulcha.
What’s Inside?
Payee is made with:
-
Goat or cow feet (trotters)
-
Onions, garlic, ginger
-
Spices like red chili, turmeric, salt, and garam masala
-
Yogurt or tomatoes to make the gravy
-
Garnished with fresh coriander, green chilies, and lemon slices
It’s slow-cooked for many hours, which makes the meat soft and full of flavor. The gravy becomes thick and sticky, which is the best part!
How Do You Eat It?
Payee is always served hot, and people love to eat it with:
-
Naan or kulcha (soft flatbread)
-
A little lemon juice, ginger slices, and green chilies on top
It’s a heavy dish, so it’s perfect when you’re really hungry—especially for breakfast or brunch.
Why Do People Love It?
People enjoy Payee because:
-
It’s warm and filling, especially in cold weather
-
It’s full of flavor after hours of slow cooking
-
It’s said to be good for bones and joints
-
It’s a traditional dish, often made on Eid or special weekends
kabab
Chapli Kebab is a round, flat kebab made from minced meat and spices. It comes from Peshawar, a city in Pakistan, and is known for its spicy and crispy taste. People enjoy it as a snack, a meal, or with naan and chutney.
What’s Inside?
Chapli Kebabs are made with:
-
Minced beef or mutton
-
Onions and tomatoes
-
Green chilies, garlic, and ginger
-
Spices like crushed red chili, cumin, and coriander
-
Sometimes a bit of flour to help hold the shape
The kebab is shaped into a big, flat circle and cooked on a hot pan with oil until it becomes crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
How Do People Eat It?
Chapli Kebabs are best enjoyed:
-
With naan or roti
-
Along with green chutney or raita (yogurt sauce)
-
With sliced onions, salad, and lemon
Some people even eat it inside a burger bun or wrap for a quick bite.
Why Do People Love Chapli Kebab?
People love Chapli Kebab because:
-
It’s crispy, spicy, and full of flavor
-
It’s a famous street food, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
-
It’s easy to eat and goes well with many sides
-
It gives a rich, meaty taste in every bite
10 Samosas & Pakoras Crispy Snacks Everyone Loves
Samosas and Pakoras are two of the most loved snacks in Pakistan. They are crispy, tasty, and go perfectly with a cup of tea. People enjoy them at home, on rainy days, and especially during Ramadan.
What is a Samosa?
A samosa is a triangle-shaped snack with a crispy outside and a tasty filling inside. The filling can be:
-
Spicy mashed potatoes
-
Minced meat like chicken or beef
-
Sometimes vegetables like peas or onions
Once filled, samosas are deep-fried until golden brown. They are often served with mint chutney or imli (tamarind) sauce.
What is a Pakora?
Pakoras are small, fried snacks made from vegetables or lentils. The veggies are mixed with a gram flour (besan) batter and fried until crispy. Common types include:
-
Potato pakoras
-
Onion pakoras
-
Spinach or mixed veggie pakoras
They are also eaten with chutneys and are a favorite during iftar in Ramadan.
Why Do People Love Them?
-
Easy to make and full of flavor
-
Great for tea time or rainy weather
-
Very popular during Ramadan
-
Enjoyed by everyone, from kids to adults
Why People Love Pakistani Food
Pakistani food is known for its rich taste, colorful spices, and homemade feeling. It brings together flavors from many cultures and regions. Whether you try a spicy biryani or a sweet gulab jamun, every bite is full of tradition and love.
FAQs
1. What are the most famous Pakistani dishes?
Some of the most popular Pakistani foods are biryani, nihari, chicken karahi, chapli kebab, halwa puri, saag with makki di roti, and samosas.
2. What makes Pakistani food special?
Pakistani food is special because it is rich in spices and full of flavor. Many dishes are slow-cooked and made with love, which gives them a unique taste.
3. Is Pakistani food spicy?
Yes, most Pakistani dishes are spicy, but you can always adjust the spice level at home. Some foods are mild, like pulao or saag.
4. What do people eat for breakfast in Pakistan?
Popular Pakistani breakfasts include halwa puri, paratha with omelet, chana (chickpeas), and lassi.
5. What is usually served at Pakistani weddings?
At weddings, people enjoy dishes like biryani, chicken karahi, kebabs, qorma, and desserts like gulab jamun or kheer.
6. Are there any vegetarian Pakistani dishes?
Yes! Some tasty vegetarian dishes are chana masala, aloo gobi, saag, daal (lentils), and vegetable pakoras.
7. What do Pakistanis eat during Ramadan?
During iftar (evening meal in Ramadan), people enjoy pakoras, samosas, fruit chaat, dahi baray, and dates. For sehri, they eat energy-rich foods like parathas and eggs.
8. What is a common Pakistani dessert?
Popular desserts include gulab jamun, jalebi, kheer, ras malai, and suji ka halwa.
Final Words
These 15 foods are just a small part of Pakistan’s delicious cuisine. Every city and region has its own special dishes and ways of cooking. If you love trying new foods, Pakistani cuisine is full of flavor, variety, and heartwarming meals.
want to read more visit our website
Big Shoutout to the guys who made this blog happen UDM.
