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Welcome to a roundup of 25 popular and traditional Pakistani dishes! This list features kebabs, classic main dishes, desserts, and drinks along with their recipes.
So what is Pakistani food anyway?
Now here’s an elusive question that I’ve given endless thought to in my years of blogging.
Pakistan was established just 73 years ago, but the food in that particular region has been around much longer. So when we refer to Pakistani food, we are referring to the food of that particular region.
When describing Pakistani cuisine, it’s almost natural to compare it to Indian cuisine. But Pakistani cuisine itself is as complex and varied.
For example, Lahore, Pakistan and Amritsar, India have a 31 mile distance, so you can imagine how similar the cuisine would be. Similarly, there are undeniable influences of Afghani cuisine in parts of Pakistan. My friend Maryam, founder of the award-winning blog Pakistan Eats, writes more extensively on Pakistani cuisine, and you can find many of her insightful pieces here.
What is the famous food of Pakistan?
Pakistan is famous for its Moghul-inspired cuisine: pulaos, biryanis, kababs, and kormas. In contrast with India, Pakistan is known for its heavier use of meat, particularly beef.
I’d like to point out that this blog doesn’t highlight some of the lesser-known, yet equally traditional dishes across Pakistan. For example, my sister-in-law is Pashtun (Pakhtun) and once prepared a delightful, gently spiced Namak Gosht (salted meat). Those types of dishes aren’t mainstream, but nonetheless are an important part of Pakistani cuisine.
25 Traditional Pakistani Dishes
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a compilation of popular Pakistani recipes that I have on my blog. From my growing collection of Pakistani recipes, I have narrowed it down to just 25 recipes that I felt were representative of Pakistani cuisine.
Appetizers & Snacks
Easy Shami Kabob (Instant Pot and Stovetop)
Shami kababs are tender patties made with beef and (yellow split peas) along with onion, herbs and spices. This recipe includes Instant Pot and stovetop instructions! Naturally gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
Easy Oven-Baked Pakistani Seekh Kabob (Ground Beef Skewers)
These Easy Oven-Baked Pakistani Seekh Kabob are made with ground beef, onions, garlic, ginger, green chili peppers, and spices. Naturally gluten-free!
Check out this recipe
Easy Pakistani Aloo Ki Tikki – Potato Cutlets
This recipe for Pakistani-style Aloo Ki Tikki is made with mashed potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian (or optionally vegan).
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Dishes
Instant Pot Sarson Ka Saag (Easy & Authentic)
This Easy Instant Pot Sarson Ka Saag recipe is made in the Authentic Indian and Pakistani (Punjabi) style but in half the time! Stovetop instructions included. Vegetarian/Vegan optional!
Check out this recipe
Pakistani Urad Dal (Maash Ki Dal)
Maash ki Dal, or sukhi (dry) split urad dal, may not be mainstream, but it's beloved by all who've tried it. This recipe makes it in the traditional Pakistani and Punjabi way – dry, as in firm, but cooked through – and adorned with delicate slivers of ginger and warming green chili peppers.
Check out this recipe
Kadhi Pakora (Instant Pot and Stovetop)
This is a classic Punjabi-style Kadhi Pakora recipe with Instant Pot and Stovetop instructions. This recipe uses accessible ingredients and has a shortened cook time but remains true to the flavors of traditional Pakistani and North Indian Kadhi.
Check out this recipe
Easy Baingan Bharta (Oven Roasted/Broiled Eggplant Curry)
Baingan Bharta is a prized Indian and Pakistani (Punjabi) dish. It consists of roasted eggplant in a delicately spiced dry curry. This recipe includes instructions on how to broil it in the oven, plus some essential tips on how to get it to taste amazing!
Check out this recipe
Meat Dishes
Instant Pot Goat Curry
This easy Instant Pot Goat and Bell Pepper curry is a Pakistani-style mutton recipe that requires little prep time and minimal ingredients you probably have on hand! It’s perfectly spiced, a little tart, and full of flavor.
Check out this recipe
Aloo Keema (Ground Beef and Potato Curry)
Here's a recipe for an authentic, homestyle, Pakistani & North Indian style Aloo Keema (Keema Curry with potatoes). This is a traditional, one-pot recipe that's simple, easy-to make, and gives the most flavorful results!
Check out this recipe
Easy Instant Pot Pakistani Beef Curry (Stew)
This Instant Pot Pakistani Beef Curry, or stew, is an easy recipe in which boneless beef stew meat is cooked alongside yogurt and whole spices. Also called Istu, or Ishto, this is a deeply flavorful yet healthy, dump-and-go Instant Pot beef recipe.
Check out this recipe
The BEST Authentic Chicken Korma
This is a warm, deeply flavorful Chicken Korma recipe that has all the authentic flavor with simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Tested & perfected!!
Check out this recipe
Pakistani Beef Kofta Curry (Meatball Curry)
Beef Kofta Curry, or simply kofte, is a traditional Pakistani curry made of tender meatballs simmered in a spicy, flavorful sauce. This recipe has all the authentic flavor of old-fashioned kofte but it’s made in an easier, more approachable way.
Check out this recipe
Pakistani Chicken Biryani (The BEST!)
An uncomplicated yet authentic Chicken Biryani recipe with simple, easy-to-follow instructions (no curveballs!) and mouthwatering, traditional Pakistani and Indian flavor. Tested to perfection!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Pulao
This quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken Pulao recipe requires just 25 minutes of prep time and results in tender boneless chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Pakistani Chana Pulao (Chickpea Pilaf) – 20-minute prep!
This Instant Pot Pakistani Chana Pulao is easy, flavorful, and it takes less than 20 minutes of total prep time! Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian!
Check out this recipe
Easy Instant Pot Nihari (Pakistani Beef Stew)
This Instant Pot Nihari recipe takes 30 minutes of prep time but does not compromise on the authentic taste of this traditional Pakistani Beef Stew! Layers of flavor in every bite!
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Easy Pakistani Haleem Recipe (Instant Pot)
This Pakistani-style Haleem (or Daleem) recipe is authentic, full of classic flavor, and perfect consistency…Yet easy to achieve in the Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe
Pakistani Chicken Karahi
This is a restaurant-style Pakistani Chicken Karahi recipe that can be prepared quickly and easily with no finicky steps.
Check out this recipe
Desserts
The BEST Instant Pot Kheer
This Instant Pot Kheer (Pakistani & Indian Rice Pudding) recipe has the classic flavor of old-fashioned kheer without the fuss. This is a restaurant-inspired recipe that's been rigorously tested and perfected until I can confidently call it the BEST Instant Pot kheer.
Check out this recipe
Traditional Sooji ka Halwa (Semolina Halwa)
Halwa is a famous dessert that is prepared all over the world with various ingredients and in countless forms. This 20-minute recipe is prepared with semolina in the Pakistani and North Indian style.
Check out this recipe
Easy Instant Pot Carrot Halwa (Gajar ka Halwa)
This authentic Instant Pot Carrot Halwa recipe is made in the traditional Pakistani & Indian style but without hours of active time over the stove. So comforting, naturally gluten-free, and only requires 6 ingredients!
Check out this recipe
Drinks
20-Minute Kashmiri Chai (Pink Tea)
This easy, one-pot Kashmiri Chai recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make! This is not a traditional Noon Chai recipe, but an accessible version that's still delicious (and pink)! Make it with regular green tea leaves if you can't find Kashmiri tea leaves.
Check out this recipe
The Perfect Plain Sweet Lassi Recipe
This is the best plain sweet lassi recipe I’ve ever had and it comes from my brother-in-law’s kitchen. His secret? He uses a small amount of whipping cream to create a lassi drink that’s perfectly sweet, extra creamy, and instantly refreshing.
Check out this recipe
Authentic Pakistani Chai
The typical Pakistani or Indian family drinks chai very different from the chai latte you get at your local coffee shop. This is an authentic cup of chai you will find brewing in the typical Pakistani kitchen.
Check out this recipe
If you get a chance to try any of these recipes, I’d love to hear from you! If you have a moment, please leave a review telling me how it was. You can also share your creations on Instagram. Thank you!
Traditional Pakistani Dishes, Including Instant Pot Pakistani Chicken Curry
This Pakistani-style Instant Pot Chicken Curry includes bone-in chicken and potatoes and requires just 30 minutes of *total* prep time! Plus, check out 24 other Traditional Pakistani dishes in this roundup!
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Food Processor (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion roughly chopped to fit in food processor
- 1 medium or 2 small tomatoes (140-160 g) roughly chopped to fit in food processor
- ¼ cup
neutral oil
such as avocado or grapeseed - 1 lb bone-in, cut up, skinless chicken (See notes for boneless) cleaned and excess skin removed
- 3-4 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/3 inch ginger crushed
- 1 small green chili pepper stem removed and thinly sliced
- 1 ¼ tsp salt or to taste
- 2 small russet potatoes (320 g) peeled and cut into large chunks
Whole spices
- ¼ tsp whole coriander seeds optional
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 5-6 whole black peppercorns
- 3 whole cloves
Spice Powders
- ½ tsp mild red chili powder or to taste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp cumin powder
- ¼ tsp coriander powder
After cooking
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves chopped
- ¼ tsp garam masala
Instructions
- Place the onion in a food processor and use the pulse function to chop it finely. Remove and set aside. In the same food processor, add the tomatoes and chop into a rough purée.
- Select the high Sauté setting on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the oil and onions and sauté until the onions turn lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté until the raw smell disappears, about 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp of water. Add the chicken and fry it until it changes color, about 5 minutes, deglazing the pan if it starts to stick to the bottom. Add the whole spices, ground spices, salt, green chili pepper, and tomato. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, then add the potatoes along with 1 cup of water*. Mix well.
- Cancel Sauté to turn off the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook setting and cook at high pressure for 12 minutes*. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
- Once safe to do so, open the lid and taste and adjust salt. Garnish with garam masala and cilantro. Stir gently as the potatoes will be very tender. Serve with rice, roti, or naan.
Notes
*If using boneless chicken, add 3/4 cup water and pressure cook for 6 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 14gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 821mgPotassium: 665mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 4mg
Did you try this recipe?Please let me know in the comments below. If you’re on Instagram, I’d love for you to tag me so I can see your creations.
Good article!
Thanks!!