Pakistani food culture has welcomed flavours and spices from various other cultures. It has some of the most flavourful and mouth-watering recipes found all over the world. Each dish presented has a history and story of its own. Pakistan has opened its door for the travel-enthusiasts and tourists and is ready to present some delicious cuisines. Without wasting time, let us dive into the Pakistani food facts and cuisine list! 

Biryani

How can anyone miss this delicacy? Biryani is the heart of Pakistani food culture. No South Asian food list is complete without this. Initially, biryani was a dish of South Indian states, however, moving north it became a blockbuster hit in Pakistan. It is a spiced rice dish that can be paired with vegetarian and non-vegetarian combinations. There is Mutton Biryani, Alu Biryani, Chicken Biryani and various other types of this versatile dish.

Kebab with Naan

Naan and Kebab might not be your first choice as a cohesive meal. But! Pakistani Food culture has given it a special twist and foodies have been loving this cuisine. Naan is like a thick tortilla and Kebab is made using minced meat with spices; this mix is then shaped into small patties and grilled! You will find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of kebabs: Tikka kebab, Gola kebab, Seekh kebab and Shami kebab are just a few to name. Naan is not far behind; there is Keema naan, Alu naan, Roghni naan and so much more!

Haleem

Haleem is a combination of staples that are used in the making of normal Pakistani dishes. These include minced chicken, mutton or beef with barley and wheat. This dish requires a lot of time for prepping and cooking as the lentils need time to get equally flavoured as the meat. The final result is a thick curry or stew of meat that will stir your taste buds.

Chicken Karahi

For all the meat fans out there, planning to take a tour to Pakistan, here is another showstopper for you: Chicken Karahi. Pakistani food culture is filled with loads of non-veg dishes and Chicken Karahi is probably the best one. This cuisine is cooked and served in a wide-mouthed utensil called 'Karahi'. The meat and vegetables are cooked together to let their flavours infuse and blend. The usual mix consists of eggs, tomatoes, chilies and meat (Jalfrezi).

Chicken Tikka

When taking a trip to Pakistan, make sure that your try the hero of the street food- Chicken Tikka! This is not just a flavourful blast but is also incredibly healthy because of its nutritive content. It is prepared by marinating the chicken pieces in a traditional spice blend. The pieces are then placed on a grill to get a charred yet delicious touch to them. You will be served with a mint dressing as well, try dipping the pieces in this and experience having a mouthful of flavours.

Sajji

Originally from Baluchistan, Sajji has become a table-topper in the Pakistani cuisines. The dish is prepared by stuffing large-sized chicken or lamb with rice and marinating them with a tangy paste made from green papaya. The pieces are then placed on long skewers and put to roast for hours.

Zarda

A perfect Pakistani meal is never complete without a Pakistani dessert. Zarda is a traditional dish served only on festive or commemorative occasions. It is a sweet rice dish and made by mixing food colouring, sugar and milk with various dry fruits like raisins and cardamoms. Nowadays, people use different colours for giving Zarda its color, however, traditionally it is made in yellow.

Star of the Pakistani Food Culture: Gulabi chai

Gulabi Chai or as it is known as Pink Tea or Kashmiri tea is a beverage made from boiling tea leaves with milk, salt, and a pinch baking soda. Adding these ingredients gets this tea a peculiar pastel shade. Upon ordering a Gulabi Chai, you will find it arrives topped with dried fruits, usually pistachio.

Pakistan is a country whose international image is very different from its true diverse cultural composition. Pakistani residents from around the world are always flooded with questions about their culture and tradition. All thanks to the exaggerated media coverage and political mistakes. The citizens, however, do not reflect any effect of all these and have kept their culture alive over the years.

Cultural tourism in Pakistan is gradually expanding and allowing travellers to see the real uniqueness and distinctiveness of the land. Let us explore Pakistan together and get to know it better.

Exceptional Myriad of Cultures

Crediting to its ethnic and demographic diverseness, the country is home to people from Western, Central, and Southern Asian nationalities. It includes Indian, Afghan and Persians as well. There are people from 15 main ethnicities that are divided based on their bloodline, customs, lineage etc. This fact is enough to explain the manifold of cultural influences you will face when you visit Pakistan. Being the home of a part of the Indus Valley Civilization, its history contributes to diversity. However, the strong influence of the Islamic culture since 700 AD has molded most of the Pakistani culture.

Lingual Cultural tourism in Pakistan

There are around 73 to 76 languages spoken in the country that is recognised by the state. If you sign up for cultural tourism in Pakistan, be ready to hear differing lingos and accents. The regional groups speak different languages keeping the tour interesting with each step. Modernisation and ancient literature have given rise to languages spoken most commonly and these belong to the influential ethnic groups. The national language, Urdu, and many other lingos are born from a combination of Indo-Iranian languages.

Friendly neighbourhood

The hospitality and friendliness of the locals might surprise you. They will make you feel right at home. The locals are very helpful and humble and are very welcoming of travellers.

Music & Art; Pakistani Specialty

History has noted numerous artists, singers and musicians born and raised in Pakistan. They have specialised in different musical styles and forms. The nation has given the world melodious Ghazals and Qawwalis. Fabled singers- Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Noor Jehan and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan have attracted international attention to the country through their artistic skills. There are also TV shows- Coke Studio, that have connected their viewers globally. From classic Urdu songs to tuneful fusions, Pakistani music is a true representation of their culture.

Skillful Craftsmanship and Handicrafts from Pakistani culture

If you search Pakistani Truck Art on the internet, you will be amazed to find vibrantly and artfully hand-painted trucks with detailed artworks. This art style has been inherited by the residents from their ancestors and it still lives in the practitioners. A mixture of aesthetics, colours, materials, and styles; it is an excellent way of recognising the true potential of the country. There are also paintings, wood carved figurine, and copper works included in the long list of Pakistani handicrafts. The pottery skills of Multan and Sindh are well-recognised throughout the world for their blue pottery. Lastly, carrying down the legacy of Mughals- the colourful work on tiles, camel-skin lamps and Naqashi are few other popular examples of their artistry.

The Euphonious Sufi Tunes

Pakistani culture is widely driven by Islamic culture and mysticism. But a few thought through this and placed their trust in a different form of worship and expression. They denied the plain traditions and turned towards Sufism. Sufi saints display their devotion through graceful dancing, meditation, whirling and poetry. Nation’s most uniting and advanced ideas and concepts have been found in Sufism. Most tend to get charmed by their soft and soothing influence.

Pakistan has a lot of wondrous surprises for its travellers to uncover. You will be amazed after you see the true beauty of Pakistan. You might be wondering 'what is so special awaiting exploration'? Then here we have a list filled with off-beat and unusual places to visit in Pakistan.

Mohenjo-Daro

Some may know the famous Harappa or Indus Valley Civilisation and the city of Mohenjo-Daro. This ancient city got its name from its current situation; it means ‘Mound of Dead Men’. It is spread over a vast 300 hectares of land and was counted among the largest cities of its time. Just like its size, its architectural advancement was worth commending. Mohenjo-Daro is a popular tourist attraction even today and is a state-recognised heritage site. The city ruins still stand reminding the people of their roots and are the best way to get a close view of the beauty of Pakistan.

Khewra Salt Mines

The brave conqueror of Europe, Africa and Asia, the Greek King Alexander the Great, has walked on the ancient Pakistani lands in 326 BC. According to the historians, he and his army made a camp in Khewra. One soldier noticed Alexander’s horse was licking the stones and rocks on the ground. He further noticed that all horses of the army were doing the same. Out of curiosity he picked up a rock and tasted it himself; he found out that the stones tasted salty. And this is how the Salt Mines of Khewra were discovered. At present, these salt mines are known for being listed among the largest rock salt depositions of the world. It is said that salt from here is capable of curing several diseases.

Makli Hill; Beauty of Pakistan Hilltops

Back in the ages, around the 14th to 18th century, the region of Thatta was home to a local noble family. They used Makli Hill as a community burial space. With each ruler’s death, large and detailed structures were built for the burial, each one more elaborate and royal than the last one. The site now is covered with several burial structures and ancient graves. Makli Hill covers an area of 10 square kilometres and is now known as a city of the dead with stunning and ornamental tombs for the rulers. If you wish to try something truly offbeat then a trip to Makli Hill can be your chance.

Chaukhandi Tombs

A well-preserved site that is a treat to every backpacker and archaeologist, Chukhandi Hills are said to be built somewhere around the 15th or 18th century. What is so special about these tombs? Carved out from finely stacked sandstone slabs into pyramid-like shapes, the construction and delicate artwork of the site makes it worth visiting. There are scenes, drawings and paintings carved on the sides of the sandstones that tell a story to every visitor.

Derawar Fort

Placed in the rising desert dunes of Cholistan, Derawar Fort is a perfect representation of the medieval lifestyle, architecture and culture. Presently, it is under the ownership of the original royals of the place, the Abbasi Family, who use the fort as their family residence. With 30 meter high walls and 40 inclined bastions, the fort is spread out one kilometre in circumference. Try and search it online you will be blown away by its majestic looks and historic feel. It is a true representation of the heritage beauty of Pakistan.

Aror Rock

What could be a better way to see the real beauty of nature than to see Aror Rock in Pakistan? The rock is placed on open land and is shaped over the years through the effects of time and weathering. What’s more bewildering is that there is a Shrine on the rock-top. You can also pay a visit to the Bin Qasim Masjid ruins near this site. These places are worth your time; you must include these in your itinerary.