FLAVOURS OF THE BAZAAR

Looking to sample some of the best street food? Here’s an exclusive list you must try if you are in Pakistan

Exploring the street food scene is among the best ways to acquaint oneself with a country’s foodscape. Pakistani cuisine, especially when enjoyed as a street food, is famed for its bold flavors and wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re strolling through the bustling city streets or quaint village markets, the country offers a plethora of mouthwatering snacks, meals, and beverages that are adored by both locals and tourists alike.

MALAI PARATHA AND DOODH PATTI QUETTA STYLE — Malai Paratha is a popular street food in Karachi. It consists of a flaky, buttery all-purpose flour paratha filled with a rich mixture of cream ( malai) and sugar. This indulgent treat is loved for its creamy texture and sweet flavor, making it a delightful snack. For the perfect combo, complement your malai paratha with a cup of doodh patti — A traditional Pakistani tea, brewed with milk and enjoyed across.

BUN KEBAB: Bun kebab, a beloved Pakistani street food originating from Karachi, is relished in nearly every corner of the country. This flavorful snack features a bun stuffed with a medley of ingredients including mince kebab, brown chutney, raita, onion, tomato, and cucumbers. The assembled bun is then seared until nicely colored and crispy.

KACHORI — Kachori isn’t merely a fried delicacy of Pakistani street food; it is one the most popular quick snacks. Kachoris in Pakistan are renowned for their irresistibly crispy texture. These savory battered pies are generously filled with a delicious grinded lentil stuffing.

BURNS ROAD WAHEED KE KEBAB — A popular street food of Karachi, Fried Gola Kebab consists of minced meat mixed with special spices. These kebabs are garnished with fried butter and typically skewered and grilled over charcoal, imparting a smoky flavour. They are normally served with chutney or naan.

SHEERMAL AND TAFTAN — Sheermal and Taftan are two popular types of flat breads in Pakistan. Sheermal is a sweet, saffron-flavored flatbread, while Taftan is a soft, leavened bread with a slightly sweet taste. Both are enjoyed across the country and often enjoyed with Nihari, Korma, Paya etc.

RABRI — Rabri holds a prominent spot in Pakistani street food culture. It is a sumptuous milk dessert with extraordinary creaminess and taste. This rich Pakistani dessert delivers a sweet aroma and excellent taste and comes in different flavours.

KATA KAT (MEAT DISH) — Kata-kat or taka-tak stands out as a distinctive street food in Pakistan. The meat dish is prepared using different organs, including testicles, heart, kidney, lungs, and brain. Prepared in a spacious pan, the meat for kata-kat is chopped alongside butter and a myriad of spices. The sharp blades hit the pan with the sound of ‘kat..kat…’ while chopping the meat. Thus, the name kata-kat is taken from the sound of the preparation.

SAJJI — Sajji is a popular Pakistani dish originating from the province of Balochistan. It is a simple yet delectable dish made by rubbing lamb meat with salt, skewering, and barbecuing over an open flame until tender. Sajji is complemented with rice or naan bread, and raita dip.

The classic Peshawari ice cream, crafted with milk, sugar, and cream, made in old hand style machines originally, has remained a beloved choice since the 1960s. What truly sets it apart is its lush, creamy texture, achieved through a meticulous churning process. Varieties like Vanilla and Mango are immensely enjoyed by locals and visitors.

The story of Peshawari Ice Cream actually began in one of Pakistan’s first food streets — Saddar, Karachi