Indian cuisine has become one of the UK’s most popular dishes over the past few decades, as diners clamour to get at those onion bhajis, vegetable samosas and lamb bhunas. Such is the popularity of Indian food, that there are times when Pakistani dishes seem to be forgotten and left a little by the wayside.

Pakistani cuisine is rich in culture and tradition, and there are certain differences between itself and Indian food that a lot of people don’t realise. Well, we’re here at Nawaab to teach you some interesting facts all about Pakistani foods and culture, and give you a quick introduction to the breath-taking world of Pakistani cuisine.

• First of all, let’s get one thing straight: Pakistani and Indian food are two very different things, depending on the Indian region in question. The idea that they are the same thing is a very common misconception, and is similar to confusing Japanese food for Chinese.
• In Pakistani culture, it is customary for diners to eat with their hands. Paratha bread is used to dip into the curry and then swiped across the plate like an enormous spoon, meaning that a knife and fork are not necessary.
• A Pakistani breakfast consists of: eggs mashed up into an omelette, shallow fried or toasted bread, parathas, sheermal with tea, qeema and fresh fruits.
• There is a spice called cardamom that is used within Pakistani cuisine called cardamom, and this can be used to treat any intestinal problems a consumer might have.
• Lassi- a well-known yoghurt drink- is consumed sweet at breakfast and salty during later meals.
• Some of the most popular Pakistani dishes include the dhal (a lentil stew), Aaloo Bukhary Ki Chutney (Plum Chutney) and chicken karaii.
• Most people actually gain weight during Ramadan, despite the fact that it involves fasting from sunrise till sunset for a month. This is due to the wealth of food on offer at Iftari: we’re talking patties, rolls and samosas, and that’s not even including the main meals.

Here at Royal Nawaab, we are a leading Indian restaurant in London that also offers an authentic Pakistani dining experience. To experience the rich culture alive throughout Pakistani cuisine, please contact us today and we will be happy to book you in for a meal that you’ll never