Regarding traditional food, Pakistan ranks at the top of the list for its cheeky Biryani, mouthwatering Karahi, and whatnot. People from outside Pakistan are die-heart fans of traditional Pakistani food because food is one of the things that connect people with other cultures and even countries together.

In Pakistan, food always has been a source of spreading love and binding people in one bond. Some of the traditional Pakistani dishes are so exquisite that they are considered irresistible to us. People have made blogs and recipe books on the terms Pakistani food recipes.

In the world of food, they are always discoveries. People of Pakistan are so creative that they bring new dishes out of the old dishes and recipes.

Traditional Pakistani food, besides the Gora community, is loved by those who have been to this land for decades. In short, Pakistani food culture rules people’s hearts in every corner of the world.

However, when we talk about Pakistani cuisine, street food recipes, or the Pakistani desi food list, we have a wide range of items to present worldwide.

Let us have a look at what we have down there in the menu card:

Best Traditional Pakistani Food Dishes

1# Nihari

One of the finest, tastiest, and mouthwatering items, Nihari, served with Roghni Naan and tea, makes your entire day.

This dish is a complete game changer and rules all Pakistani desi foods. It is a blend of dry spices, vegetable oil, and cow meat, which cooks on low flame for several hours to bring the yummiest taste. Later it is garnished and decorated with ginger slices, green chili, and a lemon.

People usually prefer it for breakfast or brunch while sitting with the family on the terrace and enjoying quality time.

2# Kabli Pulao

Who does not love rice? Presenting you one of the most beautiful dishes of Pakistan comprising Saila rice and beef, with Maeva, peanuts, cashews, almonds, and carrots.

It is the specialty of Kabul, which is the capital of Afghanistan. People prefer it for lunch and dinner and serve it as the main course at family gatherings. Its aroma and overall look tempt people to try it at any cost.

3# Karahi

Karahi is one of Pakistan’s most demanded food items and lies in the desi category. It can be chicken, beef, or mutton, depending on your demand. This item is usually found in the street shops, more prominent hotels, or the Palatial Kitchen of a local rajah.

People make it by grinding all the necessary ingredients and then cooking on medium flame with tender chunks of meat, ghee, cream, and all the spices to make it taste like heaven. It is served with roghni naan and a chilled drink.

4# Haleem

A Traditional Pakistani stew of beef and lentils

Haleem, also known as Daleem, is a delicate combination of meat, barley, channa, and local wheat. It is the specialty of the Middle East, and people are die-heart fans of haleem for a while.

They tend to take it in breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner as it is a full-fledged diet that can be consumed on its own. Still, people prefer it with roghni naan, Lachy Daar paratha, and lemon and coriander garnished on it.

5# Halwa Puri

Tell me who is not fond of having Halwa Puri by 10:00 am, sitting and giggling with the family on a terrace, and enjoying the weather.

It is one of the everyday breakfasts that Pakistanis tend to have every other day. It consists of puris, made of wheat flour, and Halwa made up of semolina and Channy. Further, it is excellent to have a mug of Doodh Patti.

6# Mutton korma

Mutton korma is a Punjabi cuisine and a mandatory dish, which is made up of mutton having gravy enough to make a loop with paratha or naan. The chunks of meat can be goat, cow, or sheep, depending on what you like.

This is the best thing about Pakistani cuisine you can make any dish with any of the desired ingredients, and it will not make any difference.

You would have been tempted up until now and would be wanting something cooked for you straight away.

7# Saag

One of the typical desi dishes, saag, is one of the favorite hot items of the people of Punjab. Saag, also known as mustard greens, comes in a wide variety and is served with parathas and makai ki roti.

Some make it with chicken or beef full of desi ghee, which has charm and aroma. Sometimes, people make saag k parathy and serve it with tea too.

8# Lassi

crisp and refreshing items served after heavy meals are the lassi. It is made in two ways: with salt or sugar.

Add yogurt, water, salt/sugar, and ice cubes to the juicer, and there you go. All done in 5 minutes. However, some people make lassi out of desi butter, cream, and milk.

9# Tikka kababs

In the list of the best Pakistani food list, Tikka Kababs are famous. It is a particular type of kabab served as it is or with naan, chutney, and drinks.

It is based on big chunks of meat marinated with aromatic spices, garlic, and ginger and can be made on a grill or the other way.

Tikka party is famous among Pakistanis, and they do it either; they have cousins get together, weddings, family get together, or any such events.

10# Chapshurro

One of the local cuisines, a unique and unheard and famous dish of Gilgit Baltistan, is the Chapshurro. Chap is the meat served with hotplate cakes containing yak meat. Chapshurro is the best snack for people who love traveling when the weather starts to cool down.

It comprises onions, salt, pepper, carrot, tomatoes, and other vegetables. All the ingredients are later wrapped in the specially made dough out of the all-purpose flour.

11# Biryani

An all-time favorite and go-to dish are Biryani, served by almost every hotel, Dhaba, or place. Biryani is a must in any type of gathering, might it be a wedding ceremony, a death ceremony, a family gathering, or whatever gathering it is. There is a vast difference between pulao and Biryani, which people need to understand.

Pulao is made by adding all the ingredients in one place, whereas Biryani requires korma and boiled rice to be mixed to bring out the beauty.

Korma can be of chicken or beef filled with all the traditional spices and cooked rice. Later both things are mixed to make perfect beauty.

12# Dowdo

Another traditional food of heaven on earth, the Gilgit Baltistan, is the Dowdo. This dish is consumed to warm oneself after having an outing in colder areas.

It is a thick creamy soup loaded with mustard greens and wheat noodles. Then, it is garnished with potatoes, carrots, and nuts.

13# Paaya

Paya means legs and legs of what? A goat or a cow, this dish tends to be the most wanted and celebrated of all the dishes. However, it is quite involved in making and takes a lot of time and effort, which is worth it.

Its necessary ingredients are red oil with spices, curry, paayas, onions, and bones. It is served with fresh naan or parathas, which you do not want to miss.

14# Chappli kabab

Out of other kababs, chapli kabab is one of the most famous kababs served in almost all the hotels, dhabbas, or motels.

Peshawar is well-known for chappli kababs and is served with the special Nawabi Paratha, chutney, and drinks. Made up of minced buffalo meat with onions, tomatoes, and other spices, these kababs reside in people’s hearts.

15# Sajji

Saji is an evergreen food that can be eaten in summer and winter. Unlike some other foods, sajji is not bound to any particular seasons. You will find sajji in every other shop.

It starts with cleaning the chicken from within and marinating it with different spices to give it a wholesome taste.

It is also served with Nawabi paratha, chutney, and drinks. Some people prefer to take it with Tarka rice or boiled rice even.

16# Chaat

Whether channa chaat or dhai barray, both have their specialty and taste, and everyone in the town likes them. They are available at every street shop with different tastes and styles.

Channa chaat includes channy, immli ki chutney, chaat masala, and other sauces covered with paapri.

In contrast, the dhai barray consists of all of the things used in chana chaat, including barray as well. Both things serve their best.

17# Brain Masala

The value of a goat and a cow in Pakistan is more than anything else in the state. After karahis and other dishes, their brain is also used in cooking and eating.

It comprises tomato sauce and brain mixed in brain masala and is served with roghni naan or nawabi paratha. It is also one of the specialties of Peshawar.

18# Katakat

As by name, this dish serves your ears as well. It is a combination of the goat’s kidneys, heart, and testicles.

Rapid fire is caused by the clangs and the pings of the iron plates banging against the metal pan. Then it is served with naan, green chutney, green chili, and drinks.

19# Paratha

Besides Halwa Puri, Paratha is a daily-use item consumed by almost everyone. It is made up of all-purpose flour with different techniques and styles. Being Pakistani, how can we stick to one thing only?

Aalo paratha, keema paratha, Lachy Daar paratha, sabzi paratha, and whatnot. The bonus is a cup of Karak tea or the doodh Patti, which adds up to the beauty of your breakfast.

20# Gyal

Another hearty dish of Gilgit Baltistan is the Gyal, also known as pancakes. It comprises red or brown buckwheat, apricot oil, yak butter, walnuts, and thick almond paste. However, every person has their recipes and tricks.

These are the main dishes preferred by almost every other person from Pakistan and those who visit Pakistan to see its beauty and enjoy the traditional foods.

Pakistani traditional foods are famous worldwide, along with hospitality and services. You cannot deny the fact that the taste which Pakistani cuisine has, no other cuisine in the world can beat it.

Lastly, we have a piece of good news for you. We will be uploading recipes of all of the above-mentioned dishes so you can try them and enjoy them.

Cheers!