Four Authentic Pakistani Foods to Eat in Pakistan — or at Home!

Have you ever eaten Pakistani cuisine? Guest blogger Noor Najam, a Pakistani university student who loves exploring different flavors and cuisines, shares four Pakistani dishes you must try.

I was sold on this regional cuisine while sampling some truly tasty foods at an Indian-Pakistani-Nepali restaurant while on a food tour in Minneapolis, Minnesota. So, let’s dive right in, and try not to drool on your device!

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Four Pakistani Foods You Must Taste

The culture of Pakistan is a blend of many cultures, and so is its food. Pakistani food has its own distinct taste and unique recipes. The dishes are rich in spices and herbs, and a bite of them can cause fireworks in your mouth.

If you are dining at a Pakistani restaurant or visiting Pakistan, you must keep this list of must-have Pakistani dishes with you and try them out.

Super Spicy Biryani

Whether you are a rice lover or not, I can guarantee that you can get addicted to the taste of biryani.

It is a famous dish in South Asia — and a permanent part of Pakistani culture. For example, a Pakistani wedding feast inevitably features biryani.

Consisting of spicy rice with meat and slices of potatoes, Pakistani biryani is usually served with flavored yogurt and salad.

Pakistani Biryani Recipes To Try At Home

• Pakistani Beef Biryani Recipe
• Pakistani Chicken Biryani Recipe
• Vegetarian Chana (Chickpea) Biryani Recipe

Falooda: The Wholesome Dessert

Now, this one is a sweet dish and a very wholesome dessert. It has all the yummiest ingredients layered in one glass.

The bottom of the glass contains a boiled spaghetti-looking noodle. A scoop of ice cream is placed on top of it. Then, a layer of fruit and nuts is added with some jelly.

The dessert is no less than a complete meal and is eaten as a snack rather than an after-meal dessert. It is heavenly, delicious, and a must-try for all those with a sweet tooth out there!

Falooda Recipes To Try At Home

• Pakistani Falooda Recipe
• South Asian Falooda Recipe

Healthy Haleem

Packed with protein, haleem is a healthy stew of lentils, shredded chicken or beef, and herbs.

The consistency is similar to that of porridge, and it can be eaten with a spoon. The taste is so savory and addictive that you cannot say “no” to it.

However, it is only cooked for special occasions, such as during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, as haleem requires a lengthy cooking process.

Haleem is often served with fried onions, sliced lemon, ginger, and coriander leaves.

Haleem Recipes To Try At Home

• Instant Pot Pakistani Haleem Recipe
• Gluten Free: Easier Slow Cooker Haleem Recipe
• Chicken Haleem Recipe

Hot Bowl of Nihari

Nihari is another traditional dish of Pakistan that is extremely satiating and leaves you full for hours. People in Pakistan prefer eating this dish for breakfast so that they stay up and running all day.

The dish has a thick gravy with pieces of meat in it. The gravy is made of flour, milk, and different herbs and spices, which make it very filling and savory.

The dish is served with sliced ginger, lemon, and coriander leaves. It is eaten with hot naan and served when it is sizzling hot.

Nihari Recipes To Try At Home

• Easy Instant Pot Nihari Recipe
• Easy Slow Cooker Nihari Recipe
• Classic Pakistani Nihari Recipe
• Chicken Nihari Recipe

About the Guest Blogger

Noor Najam loves to explore the culinary delights and tastes of different regions. She also likes to stay fit and make healthy food choices. Noor thinks she should have studied for a culinary-related bachelor’s degree instead of social sciences. She regularly posts on https://pateeri.com/.

Visiting Pakistan?

• Read 21 reasons why you should visit Pakistan from The Broke Backpacker
• Need more Pakistan travel advice? Check out my Pakistan Pinterest board or order Insight Guides Pakistan travel guidebook!
• Find hotels with availability for your travel dates in Pakistan
• Search for the best Pakistan tours and activities

Which Pakistani food would you like to try?

Guest blogger Noor Najam has recommended four flavorful and authentic Pakistani dishes you should taste. I’d love to try falooda for dessert! How about you? I’d love for you to write a comment below sharing which Pakistani dish you’d like to try.

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