December 4, 2017
Within Pakistan, cuisine varies greatly from region to region. The food in each of these regions reflects the different ethnicities and cultures that makes Pakistan such a diverse nation.
So what kind of foods do people eat in Pakistan?
The Eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh produce food that is highly seasoned and spicy; more similar to the flavours of South Asia.
In other parts of Pakistan; Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Area, tastes differ dramatically based on a number of different food influences.
Modern day Pakistan has a popular fast food scene amongst the larger cities. Local and foreign recipes have also been blended in a number of high end restaurants to create hugely popular fusion food. Pakistani Chinese cuisine is common amongst the urban cities of Pakistan, as well as other European, Asian, and American influences.
Modern day lifestyles have also influenced a change in food habits. Influenced by western markets, an increase in the use of ready-made meal mixes, such as masala mixes, are now a popular choice.
It’s hard to pin point a specific cuisine within Pakistan. With such diversity across the country, you can walk into different homes on the same street and witness a different food culture in each one.
Whilst the dishes vary across the nation, there are similar elements which can be noticed everywhere. Pakistani dishes are known for their aromatic and spicy flavours. Some dishes contain a liberal amount of oil for a richer and fuller mouth feel and flavour.
Brown cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, mace and black pepper are all hugely popular spices that you can see utilised across the whole of Pakistan. Cumin seeds, chilli powder, turmeric, and bay leaves are also very popular, with coriander powder also heavily used in the Punjab province.
Garam masala hails from Pakistan; the unique blend of spices is used in many dishes and has become famous the world over.
To experience the dishes Pakistan is famous for try Royal Nawaab’s Halal Restaurant Manchester.
