Pakistani street foods and their exotic flavors might still be a secret to you. Yet, if you are interested in finding out more about them, I’m always ready to help!
Asian cuisines, in general, have never disappointed me with how versatile and palatable their foods are, and these below recommended Pakistani delicacies can partly prove that.
This country’s cuisine encases all the most unexpected features, and you will definitely feel satisfied once giving them a go!
5 Irresistible Meaty Street Foods In Pakistan
Pakistani cuisine is part of the Halal culinary culture of Islam, so you won’t find dishes made with pork or alcohol in this country. However, Pakistanis love food that includes meat and spices, so these dishes in this country are well made and numerous.
1. Karahi / Butt Karahi (Pakistani Curry)
Karahi is one of the best Pakistani foods and a must-have in the hearts of all Pakistanis. You can find Karahi catered for from the smallest roadside shops to luxury restaurants. Usually, Karahi uses goat/lamb meat, but many cooks also cook it with chicken or shrimp.
In Pakistan, the chefs will mainly cook Karahi with a unique sauce consisting of tomatoes, onions, and tallow. This sauce makes the Pakistani version of Karahi different with a mild sour taste and irresistible toothsomeness.
To balance the whole food’s taste, you can consider rice or Naan for the starch base. These two options always work well with the full-of-flavor dishes. Karahi is a long-favored late-night dish in this country, and people typically buy it in a huge batch. Interesting, isn’t it?
Let’s discover more about Butt Karahi through this video!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 17 Temple Rd, near Saffan wala chowk، Mozang Chungi, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 2:30 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924237234747
Address: Karachi – Hyderabad Motorway, Sector 8 B Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 7 PM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.shaheenshinwari.pk/
Phone: +923318047003
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaheenshinwari.pk/
Address: Ocean Towers, 5Th، Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Block 9 Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75600, Pakistan
Time: 5 PM – 12:30 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +9221111111001
2. Nalli Biryani (Bone Marrow Biryani)
If you find this dish familiar, that is expected since this palatable Pakistani delicacy has its cousins in many other South Asian countries such as India. Although Biryani is the most popular rice dish in South Asia, its true origin is quite unclear.
Yet, one sure thing is you can mostly find this bone marrow Biryani in Pakistan. The most recommended place to have it is in Karachi (in southern Pakistan). Locals prepare the dish by combining flavored mixed rice with some big stewed beef bones as toppings.
If you have never tried combining these two components together, you should consider giving it a go once you visit this country. Since the overall texture of this Biryani version is pretty dry, the sellers might serve your food with a cup of light yogurt (Raita).
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Ghousia St, Block 6 Liaquatabad Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM –10 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: http://qadrinallibiryani.com/
Phone: +923181234776
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QadriNalliBiryani/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qadrinallibiryani/
Address: 2/240, Liaqatabad Commercial Area, Main Sarafa bazar، Block 6 Liaquatabad Town, Karachi, 74600, Pakistan
Time: 11:30 AM – 10 PM (From Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday)
Phone: +923002106954
3. Nihari (Pakistani Beef Stew)
Nihari is a thick red beef stew and is eaten warm. It is made from beef meat on the bone and cooked slowly overnight. Just as many other Pakistani dishes, Nihari is typically hot and spicy.
Initially, Pakistanis only liked to eat Nihari for breakfast. However, today they eat these dishes for lunch or sometimes for dinner. Therefore, it can be a great dinner dish for a whole family since it will be hearty and nutritious (with some starch bases used).
When serving, the sellers will offer you some accompanying garnishes, including ginger strips, green peppers, or some cilantro to enhance the flavor. It is traditionally served with a typical Pakistani and Indian flatbread called Naan or a sweet bread called Sheermal.
This cake is always a perfect starch base that can balance the strong spices from the delicious Beef Stew. Nihari started out as a luxurious delicacy during the Mughal Empire (1526-1857) that was made exclusively for the Mughals royal family.
Later, this dish was widely spread in the empire and was immediately accepted thanks to its deliciousness.
This short introduction will tell you many things about this favorable Nihari!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 7 Abkari Rd, Urdu Bazar Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time:
8 AM – 4 AM (From Monday to Saturday)
6 AM – 2 AM (Only on Sunday)
Phone: +923217373222
Address: Bahawalpur Rd, Saadi Park Mozang Chungi, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Phone: +923041113338
4. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala might be a familiar treat to you since this food appears in many South Asian restaurants globally, and you might have tried it once. But believe me, to experience the authentic taste of any dish, it would be best to try it in its motherland.
To prepare this dish, the Pakistani chefs must marinate the boneless chicken cubes with various spices and yogurt before processing. After that, they will grill the food in the skewers on a traditional stove meticulously to avoid burning it.
When eating, Pakistani people will suggest various ways to enjoy their signature dish. Yet, I highly recommend you to have Chicken Tikka Masala alone. On the other hand, feel free to eat it with some kinds of starch bases like rice or flatbread. All are tasty!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Lower Mall, Niaz View Sanda, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11:30 AM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://khan-baba-restaurant.business.site/
Phone: +923022426953
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KhanBabaRestaurantPK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khanbaba.restaurant/
Address: 17 Temple Rd, near Saffan wala chowk، Mozang Chungi, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 2:30 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924237234747
Address: Bazaar Laal khoh، inside Mochi Gate، Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
Time: 1:30 PM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923224600070
5. Shawarma (Grilled Cone-Shaped Stacked Meat)
This Shawarma is a true delight for a meat lover that you can easily find in every Pakistani locality. To talk about the food’s origin, it started to appear in the era of the ancient Ottoman Empire in the 19th century.
In recent days, you can find many variations of this food. In Pakistan, the chefs will prepare Shawarma from mutton, lamb, or poultry (especially dark turkey meat).
After marinating and roasting the whole food, the cooks will slice it into pieces right after you make an order. They will offer you several Pita (flatbread) options or as a filling for sandwiches. Otherwise, you can try eating it alone to feel the authentic taste.
This is the best Shawarma taste test in Lahore you might ask for here.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Sutlej Block Satluj Block Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time:
12 PM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday, except Friday)
2:30 PM–2 AM (Only on Friday)
Phone: +923354596601
Address: H8PR+RVJ, ghd, Lahore, Punjab 54900, Pakistan
Time:
4 PM – 3 AM (From Monday to Saturday)
2 PM – 3 AM (Only on Sunday)
Phone: +923320684256
6 Vegetarian-Friendly Delicacies To Find On Pakistani Streets
When it comes to the best Asian vegetarian-friendly recipes, you should never neglect those from South Asia, especially Pakistan.
Thanks to the significant influence of their country’s religion, Pakistanis have created many vegetarian dishes to serve in holidays and daily life. Because of the much attention, these dishes are exciting. Now, let’s see what I have prepared for you.
6. Haleem (Pakistani-Style Wheat And Barley Stew)
The first dish in this category of Pakistani vegetarian-friendly foods is Haleem. Although this Indian-originated delicacy also has some meat variations, those filled with only veggies like chana (chickpeas), wheat, and barley are more famous.
The preparation of Haleem is quite a feat when the cook needs to prepare a lot of ingredients and spices. One needs to slow cook Haleem for about 6 hours for them to blend well with each other perfectly.
Pakistani residents see Haleem as a calorie-packed treat, so they usually have them for breakfast and lunch (to have enough energy for the rest of the day). My recommended combination for you when having Haleem is to pair it with green tea, milk, and Roti.
Are you curious about what Haleem tastes like?
Most recommended places to have the food:
Mazaidar Haleem & Foods, Samanabad F.B Area
Address: Main Samnabad St, Federal B Area Block 18 Gulberg Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75950, Pakistan
Time:
10 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Saturday)
8 AM – 1 AM (Only on Sunday)
Website: http://www.mazaidarhaleem.com/
Phone: +9221111636637
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MazaidarFoods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazaidarhaleem/
Address: NH 5, Islampura, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924237225412
Address: Abu Bakar Rd, Township Block 2 Sector B 2 Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 10 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924235116432
7. Kabuli Pulao (Mixed Steamed Rice)
This dish has a fascinating development history closely related to the history of the Silk Road located in West Pakistan. Kabuli Pulao was initially an Afghani dish that followed the famous trade route to Pakistan and became hugely popular here, undergoing transformative changes along the way.
In Pakistan, people prepare this dish with mixed rice (from long to short grains), meats (chicken, mutton, and beef), and many dry spices. However, this dish is not the same as Biryani.
You can tell them apart by the type of rice used, and Kabuli Pulao is usually milder in taste and has a more varied aroma. Sometimes, the chefs will use saffron to have a beautiful light yellow color for the rice grains.
In addition, chefs from eateries or restaurants in this country also add and change spices to create their own unique versions. You can identify the stalls selling Kabuli Pulao on Pakistani streets by finding ones with huge bell-shaped cooking vessels specialized for cooking this dish.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Lower Mall, Niaz View Sanda, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11:30 AM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://khan-baba-restaurant.business.site/
Phone: +923022426953
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KhanBabaRestaurantPK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khanbaba.restaurant/
Address: Kacha Hall Rd, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 9 PM (From Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday)
Phone: +923224094849
Address: McLeod Rd, Qila Gujjar Singh, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:45 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.savourfoods.com.pk/
Phone: +9251111728687
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavourFoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savourfoods_/
8. Pakora (Fried Vegetable Fritters)
If fried meaty treats are not for you, these Pakoras can become your savior. This Indian-originated delicacy is well-known in Pakistan, and people in this country adore these healthy Fritters a lot.
The ingredients for Pakoras are pretty varied. You can have this treat made of potatoes, onions, bananas, or ground nuts; each has a unique exquisiteness. Some include a mix between those mentioned components.
Yet, overall, Pakora is a fried treat, so people in Pakistan add a lot of other pungent condiments (chili powder/flakes) to make its taste more versatile. In case you still wonder about the authentic taste of Pakora, you can easily find it on the streets of Pakistan.
Take a closer look at how vendors in Pakistan make their Pakora now!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: College Road، 167-P Mini Market Roundabout, Block P Block L Gulberg 2, Lahore, Punjab 75950, Pakistan
Time:
11:30 AM – 12 AM (From Monday to Thursday and Sunday)
11:30 AM – 1 AM (Only on Friday and Saturday)
Website: http://www.lahorechatkhara.com/
Phone: +924235872090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lahorechatkharapk/
Address: Pearl One, 94 MM Alam Rd, Block B1 Block B 1 Gulberg III, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Time: 10 AM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.chaayekhana.com/
Phone: +924235778284
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chaayekhana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaaye_khana/
Address: 58-B Hussain Chowk, Block B3 Block B 3 Gulberg III, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Time: 1 PM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923214586246
9. Bhutta (Grilled Corn On The Cob)
It might be only grilled corn to you, but how Pakistanis make it helps this Bhutta taste absolutely enticing. Vendors roast the corn on its own cob on an open fire stove until its surface becomes seared. After that, they will flavor it with some tasty spices.
To find the stalls selling Bhutta on the roads of Pakistan, you can ask the local people for their favorite “bhuttawallahs”. Or else, spending time wandering on the streets can also help you find the best Bhutta ever.
Remember, this treat is more prevalent during the monsoon season because that is the time when they harvest corn in this country.
Most recommended places to have the food: At the small vendors or bhuttawallahs on Pakistani streets.
10. Masala French Fries
This favorable Masala French fries is another example of how important Masala spices are to Pakistani finger-licking snacks. You may be familiar with normal French fries, so let’s try this creative mix of French fries and authentic Pakistani spices for an exciting experience.
The making of this treat is also relatively basic, with deep-frying the thinly sliced potatoes until all the pieces offer a beautiful golden hue. When eating the dish, you can feel a lovely zing from cumin/pepper that the chefs sprinkle on it. This taste is hard to find elsewhere.
There is no special requirement for you about the dipping sauce for this fried treat. You can have anything you like. From mayonnaise to some kinds of commercial chili sauce, everything will be fine when combined with this tasty treat.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Plot # 21-22، Allama I. I. Qazi Chowk, Block A Sindhi Muslim CHS (SMCHS), Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 1:45 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: http://foodsinn.co/
Phone: +922138899998
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodsinn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foods_inn/
Address: Ghazi Salahuddin Road, Dhoraji Bahadurabad, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website:
Phone: +923009214808
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bites4Life
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bites4life_dhoraji/
Address: 136 Ghazi Salahuddin Road, C.P. & Berar Society Cp & Berar Chs, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75300, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923357526457
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamilsRestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilsrestaurant/
Address: 8-F Ghazi Salahuddin Road، Muhammad Ali Chs (Machs), Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday, closed on Thursday)
Website: https://kaybees.com.pk/
Phone: +9221111529233
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaybeespakistan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaybeespakistan/
11. Chaat (Pakistani-Style Food Platters)
Chaat is another Pakistani delicacy that has its origin in India on today’s list. This treat existed in Uttar Pradesh during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (late 17th century). Nowadays, this delicacy is not only famous in Pakistan but also in other nations.
In the Indian language, its name means “to taste/lick,” and a platter of Chaat includes various components (primarily vegetarian). Some more frequently used ingredients are potatoes, gram, crispy fried dough, and others.
When receiving the food, you can ask the vendors for an accompanying sauce such as tamarind sauce or some yogurt. Both options can help to harmonize every ingredient in your Chaat.
This is what you can expect from a portion of Chaat!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 2-C, Saba Avenue, Saba Commercial, DHA Phase 5، Extension Saba Commercial Area Defence V Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.gazebo.ae/
Phone: +922135247682
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gazeborestaurant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gazeborestaurant/
Address: 15C Badar Commercial Street 10, Badar Commercial Area Defence V Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923041114030
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mirchili/
You Should Not Ignore These 6 Snacks In Pakistan
Besides all the vegetarian or savory dishes above, I will recommend you with something that is a bit lighter and more convenient to eat on the go. These suggestions below are absolutely toothsome, and you should never neglect them.
12. Paratha (Unleavened Wheat-Based Flatbreads)
Paratha is a dish that first appeared in the Indian subcontinent and has been playing a significant role in various countries’ cuisines, especially Pakistan and India. Paratha is quite versatile; it can be great food for breakfast or a light starch base for a hearty dinner.
About the name of this dish, it combines “parat” and “atta” (which means “cooked dough” in English). In Pakistan, people love eating Parathas with some veggies ingredients such as boiled potatoes, pickles, or vegetable curries.
If you want to pair it with a meaty dish, it will still be alright. Believe me; it can hardly go wrong when you match Parathas with Pakistani delicacies. The most suggested way to eat Paratha is to dip it into a cup of Doodh Pathi when eating; the flavor is mind-blowing.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Boat Basin Roundabout, Bank Rd, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75600, Pakistan
Time: Open 24/7
Website: https://boatbasin.pk/
Phone: +922135364444
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boatbasin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatbasinkarachi/
Address: LS 2 Street 3, behind Ahmed Medical Center, Block 13 Gulberg Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 6 PM – 4 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923453111807
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/turkishcafe07
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turkishcafe07/
Address: Alamgir Rd, Bahadur Yar Jang CHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time:
5 PM – 1:30 AM (From Monday to Thursday and Saturday)
5 PM – 12 AM (Only on Friday and Sunday)
Phone: +922134121241
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/199158853452862
Address: Shaheed-e-Millat Rd, Delhi Mercantile Society PECHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75400, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 11:45 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.mandihouse.pk/
Phone: +923310222233
13. Halwa Puri / Halwa Poori (Crispy Round Pastry With Halva)
There are many different theories about the birthplace of Puri. Some say it originated in Punjab; some mention other places in the Indian subcontinent, most of them outside Pakistan.
But when you ask Pakistanis about their most favored breakfast, especially in the area of Lahore, the answer is usually Halwa Puri. A complete serving of Halwa Puri includes puffed and hollowed Puri balls, Halva (nut and butter confections), or chickpea curry.
To best enjoy Halwa Puri, you should break a part of the crunchy, freshly made Puri and fill its hollowed interior with other side dishes. After that, you should have a mouthful of it and prepare a cup of Pud Pathi at the side.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 4 Fort Rd, near Ali Park, Shahi Mohalla Walled City of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Time: 3 AM – 11 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924237639007
Address: Ferozepur Rd, In Front of Shama Metro Station، Ichhra Shershah Colony Lahore, Punjab 54610, Pakistan
Time:
4:30 AM – 12:30 PM (From Monday to Thursday and Saturday)
4:30 AM – 12 PM (Only on Friday)
4 AM – 1 PM (Only on Sunday)
Website: https://sadiq-halwa-puri-restaurant.business.site/
Phone: +923233333169
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadiqhalwapuri1880/
Address: 34, Liberty Market Gulberg III, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 6 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +924235758750
Butt Sweets & Bakers (Food Chain)
Address: 16 McLoed Road, Lakshmi Chowk, McLeod Rd, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Time: 9 AM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: http://www.buttsweets.com/
Phone: +923354005890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttsweetsandbakers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttsweetsbakersofficial/
14. Dahi Bhalla (Deep-Fried Croquet With Creamy Topping)
Mughal Khansamas were the first ones to prepare this favorable Dahi Bhalla. Many historians believe that the ancient Mughals living in the 18th century created this delicacy out of curd, spices, and various kinds of herbs.
Under the fine surface of creamy toppings, as shown in the picture, there are various deep-fried, crunchy Croquettes mixed with green bean paste. You should pair these tasty croquet pieces (better to be cold) with chutneys or Dahi yogurts when eating.
Don’t miss this short illustration of how Pakistani vendors serve Dahi Bhalla.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 5/1, Boating Basin, Clifton، block-5 Block 5 Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75600, Pakistan
Time:
12 PM – 12 AM (From Monday to Saturday)
8 AM – 12 AM (Only on Sunday)
Website: https://bbqtonight.com/
Phone: +9221111227111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveBbQTonight/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbqtonight/
Address: 35, Barkat Market, New Garden Town, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Time:
11 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Saturday)
11 AM – 12 AM (Only on Sunday)
Phone: +923424240120
15. Bun Kebab / Burger Anday Wala (Pakistani Sandwich)
There are a lot of controversies about the true origin of this delight. People are not sure about whether Bun Kebabs were originally from Pakistan or India. But that does not matter a lot to you and me. As long as this food is scrumptious, then it is worth trying once there.
Basic Bun Kebabs consist of buns, ground beef/lamb patties, ground lentils, or other things. You can also find many variations with different kinds of fillings in other localities in Pakistan. It is not an exaggeration when I tell you that all of them are tasty.
It is also pretty convenient to eat on the go. Just buy one from any street vendor and nibble it on the way.
It is time to follow this brief and detailed introduction to know more about Bun Kebab!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Nursery, Shop no.10 Furniture Market 190-C, P.E.C.H.S Block 2 Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +922134523854
Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar Kabab House
Address: Riaz Masjid, Delhi Saudagar Rd No. 4, Delhi Mercantile Society PECHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 5 PM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923220000779
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaikhAbdulGhaffarKabab/
Address: V248+MH8 Sonehri Masjid, Burns Road, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 72000, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://waheedkabab.pk/
Phone: +923252244499
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waheedkabab/
16. Papadum / Spicy Papad (Deep-Fried Black Gram Bean Flour Dough)
After various suggestions above, you can see how deep Indian cuisine affects the gastronomy of Pakistan. There are various foods there with Indian roots in Pakistan, and Papadum is also a dish like that.
A portion of Papadum typically consists of gram bean flour that the cook deep-fries instead of baking or grilling. Other ingredients can also be rice, tapioca, or millet flour. The next step of making Papadum is to flavor the dough.
Since Pakistani chefs often use hot spices or red chili powder to flavor their treat, local Papadum is usually spicy. Thanks to that, you can use Papadum as a hearty side dish or as a crunchy, tongue-burning snack.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: T-01, Off MM Alam Road, Tipu Rd, Lahore, 54660, Pakistan
Time: 12 PM – 12 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: http://www.spicebazaar.pk/
Phone: +923111122103
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spicebazaarpk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicebazaarpk/
17. Samosa (Fried Pastry With Savory Fillings)
Talking about typical Pakistani snacks, triangle-shaped Samosas are always on the top list. This famous South Asian treat came from Middle Eastern and Central Asian cuisines centuries ago. This delight is well-known for having a crunchy texture and flavorful fillings.
To make Samosa, chefs need to prepare a layer of thin dough as the wrappings and various other fillings such as veggies, beans, lentils, and meats. Each region of Pakistan has a distinguished kind with a different signature flavor.
For example, Samosas in western Pakistan mainly include minced meats and a less spicy taste, while Lahore-style ones mostly have veggies. Remember to eat Samosa with yogurt or chili sauce to have a better experience.
You won’t regret seeing this review about Samosa on Pakistani streets.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 4A Shahrah-e-Faisal, PECHS Extension Block 6 PECHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75400, Pakistan
Time: 7 AM – 8 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://pakdelhisweets.pk/
Phone: +922134545539
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pakdelhisweets/
Address: shop # 3, Plot # 512/1, Sweet Homes building, near diamond Super Market، Garden East Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 74500, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 8 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923342029845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shamschaat/
Address: 61/Q Imam Ahmed Rd, Pakistan Employees Co-Operative Housing Society Block 6 PECHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75400, Pakistan
Time: 6 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.ambalabakers.com/
Phone: +922134555902
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMBALASWEETS
6 Luscious Pakistani Desserts And Drinks To Try On The Streets
Are you ready to know more about Pakistani sweet treats and drinks After trying all of the food above, you might want something lighter, soother to refresh your taste buds. Then, you won’t be sorry for giving my upcoming suggestions a go.
18. Doodh Patti (Pakistani Milk Tea)
Once searching more about the most suggested Pakistani drinks, you will know that people in this country don’t use alcohol in both beverages and inside foods. Therefore, you can find various kinds of tea and milk mixed treats in this country.
Doodh Patti is a very simple drink. This light drink is absolutely appealing with only black tea, herbs, sugar, and milk. One significant feature about this drink is it doesn’t include water, making it denser and thicker than the regular tea in other cuisines.
Wandering around the Pakistan streets in the early morning, you can see local people gathering around the Doodh Patti stalls and relaxingly enjoying their cup of tea.
What is the secret behind a cup of Pakistani Doodh Patti?
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Alamgir Rd, Delhi Mercantile Society, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time:
5 AM –12:30 AM (From Monday to Friday and Sunday)
7 AM – 12:30 AM (Only on Saturday)
Phone: +922134926333
Address: St-3, Scheme 33 Tapo Gujro deh Songal، Karachi – Hyderabad Motorway, Sector 6 B Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75000, Pakistan
Time:
5 PM – 3 AM (From Monday to Friday and Sunday)
5 PM – 4 AM (Only on Saturday)
Phone: +923332223366
Address: Survey plot 28,29,30 Sector 3B beside Daewoo bus stop, Karachi – Hyderabad Motorway, Sector 3 B Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33, Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan, Sindh 75330, Pakistan
Time: 7 PM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923454267222
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khansaabhighway
19. Gola Ganda (Crushed Ice On A Stick)
Who can resist such a palatable cold treat on a hot summer day? Gola Ganda is an incredibly simple icy dessert that consists of only the most basic ingredients you might think of. The sellers only prepare it with ice cubes, chaat masala, and ice cream sticks (to hold).
The syrup used depends on your preferences. Once eating this rustic treat, you can feel the tempting sweetness from the syrup gradually spread on your tip tongue, and a cooling effect comes right after.
Gola Ganda can make you feel more refreshed without filling up your stomach. Therefore, after having a serving of this cold treat, you can still enjoy some other delicacies on your street food tour in Pakistan.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Ghazi Salahuddin Road, Bahadurabad Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time:
4:30 PM – 12 AM (Only on Monday)
12 AM – 12 PM, 4:30 PM – 12 AM (From TuesTuesday to Sunday)
Phone: +923152067052
Student Gola & Ice Cream Falooda
Address: Karachi City, Dhoraji, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 4 PM – 4 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923152040897
20. Kulfi (Pakistani Ice Cream)
If you prefer something milkier than the previous Gola Ganda, you can opt for Kulfi. But it isn’t really ice cream. Its texture is relatively denser, thicker, and often goes with toppings like saffron or crushed nuts.
People living in the Indian subcontinent around the 16th century invented this cool Kulfi. You can create this treat by putting the Kulfi mixture inside a small, lovely clay cup before freezing it with Himalayan ice.
Today, you can find this delicacy appears as a prevalent Pakistani cool treat or Indian-related cuisines’ desserts. Everyone in these regions adores the lovely sweetness from the slow-cooked milk mixture and the fragrance from the toppings.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Shop no 6, Alamgir Heights, near Sharfabad Club, Bihar Muslim Society BMCHS Sharafabad, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 74500, Pakistan
Time:
12 PM –2 AM (From Monday to Thursday)
2 PM – 2:30 AM (Only on Friday)
12 PM – 2:30 AM (Only on Saturday and Sunday)
Phone: +922134136688
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Happyicecreamofficial/
Address: Mochi Gali, Saddar Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
21. Rabri (Sweet Pudding)
Don’t confuse the previous Kulfi with this Rabri; they are not the same thing. Rabri is an older dessert because its first record was in the early 15th century, though its birthplace was also in the Indian subcontinent.
Actually, the texture of this unique Rabri doesn’t resemble typically smooth and bouncing puddings. The texture of Rabri is somehow like string cheese because when you cut it, you can barely see the milk strands.
To be honest, Rabri is extremely sweet and milky as it has only condensed milk and sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, then this favorable Rabri can surely make you drool.
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: Shop # E/841, Shahi Bazar, Pakka Qila Chowk C/o Naveed Shaikh 0323-3000200، Hyderabad, 71000, Pakistan
Time: 7 AM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: www.hajirabri.pk
Phone: +923233000200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hajirabriwale/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hajirabri/
Address: Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Saddar Town Gari Khata, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 9 AM – 12:30 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: http://www.delhirabbrihouse.com/
Phone: +922132631792
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delhirabbri/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delhirabbri/
Address: 3H 12/39, Block 3 Nazimabad, Karachi, 74600, Pakistan
Time: 9 AM – 1 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://almehransweets.com/
Phone: +922136680026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/almehransweets
22. Jalebi (Syrup-Covered Sweet Pretzels)
It is quite easy to find a favorable sweet treat without butter in Asia, and this famous Jalebi is one of the most-favored suggestions for you. The main ingredients for a standard portion of Jalebi are maida flour, water, and sugary syrup.
The mixture of maida flour and water needs to be a bit thick so that the cooks can form it into pretzel-like pieces when processing it in a big, oil-frilled pan. After deep-frying, the vendors will dip these Jalebi pieces in the syrup (sugar, rose water, lime juice).
Because of that, Jalebi’s taste won’t be boringly sweet. You can sense a light, lovely aroma while enjoying this treat of Arabic origin.
In Pakistan, people have Jalebi, no matter if it is hot or cold. The temperature doesn’t affect its deliciousness.
If you want to know more about the taste of Jalebi, this review is for you!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Address: 4A Shahrah-e-Faisal, PECHS Extension Block 6 PECHS, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75400, Pakistan
Time: 7 AM – 8 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://pakdelhisweets.pk/
Phone: +922134545539
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pakdelhisweets/
Address: 2 N Service Rd, Block A North Nazimabad Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 74600, Pakistan
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://www.dilpasandsweets.com/
Phone: +922136722441
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dilpasandofficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dilpasandpakistan/
Address: Fresco Sweets, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, near Aram Bagh Park, Aram Bagh Burns Road, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 9 AM – 10 PM (From Monday to Sunday)
Website: https://frescosweets.business.site/
Phone: +922132218926
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frescosweets.pk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frescosweets.pk/
23. Faluda / Falooda (Pakistani Cold Beverage With Vermicelli)
The appearance of this Falooda glass immediately impresses me at first glance. Thanks to a baby, dreamy pink color, and refreshing flavor, people in Pakistan have been in love with this Persian-originated beverage for centuries (from the 16th and 18th centuries).
In a cup of cold Falooda, there is typically transparent vermicelli, rose water/syrup, and sweet basil. In some modern variations of this dessert, they add a scoop of ice cream for more flavor. Some other accompaniments for Falooda are sago, cornstarch, etc.
Besides finding it on the street vendors, you can also see they serve Falooda as a dessert on special occasions in Pakistani cultures (like Islamic weddings or holidays). Enjoy one whenever you can!
Most recommended places to have the food:
Mashallah Nafees Kasuri Faluda
Address: Ferozepur Rd, Ichhra Samanabad Town, Lahore, Punjab 55050, Pakistan
Time: 10 AM – 4 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923217778163
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/175629023030204
Purana Night Gola Ganda & Ice cream
Address: R5J4+QM4, Zaman Town Sector 35 A Korangi, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, Pakistan
Time: 7 PM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +923432138241
Address: Shop no 14 sir jahangir kotari building, Raja Ghazanfar Ali Rd, Saddar Karachi, Karachi, 75500, Pakistan
Time: 11 AM – 2 AM (From Monday to Sunday)
Phone: +922135218401
Let’s Get Ready For Your Next Trip To Pakistan!
If you want to understand Pakistani culture, you must try their cuisine. Pakistani cuisine will take your taste buds to a new level of bliss, and these delicacies are not only tasty but also nutritious.
After spending your time to experience all of my recommendations above, feel free to leave me some of your opinions about them. Your contribution will be a massive inspiration for me in future articles.