Craving food that’s bold, aromatic, and cooked with heart? Then Pakistani cuisine is just the ticket!
This list highlights 23 incredible recipes ranging from scrumptious yogurt drinks to fiery curries, all bursting with soul. Get ready for a flavor journey you won’t soon forget!
1. Pakistani Style Ginger Chicken
Expect spices that are wonderfully fragrant plus sauces that will have you licking your plate when diving into Pakistani foods.
This ginger chicken features flavors that are creamy, well-seasoned, and delicious. Garlic, ginger, chiles, and onion create a superb flavor in this savory masala.
For greater aromatics, chili powder and turmeric go a long way, while yogurt helps cut through the heat. This succulent chicken is easily served with either rice or naan.
2. Falooda
You can call falooda a drink or perhaps a parfait, but it is guaranteed to be something otherworldly. You’ll notice that a ton of different flavors are present in this tasty recipe.
In order to nail falooda, a handful of ingredients are crucial and may require a trip to a South Asian grocer if you don’t have them already.
Falooda sev, rooh afza syrup, and basil seeds deliver that signature falooda taste. Make sure you layer Jell-O and basil seeds with noodles and syrup between scoops of vanilla ice cream.
3. Nihari (Pakistani Beef Stew)
Throughout the globe, hearty beef stew is enjoyed as a comforting dinner.
This spiced, soulful take on the classic is a Pakistani treasure.
Thanks to the fragrant aromatics, this stew is flavorful like nothing else. It features beef cooked to a tender consistency in a spiced broth, then thickened with both yogurt and flour.
The ideal complements to this thick, creamy stew are a piece of warm naan or simply some white rice. Keep it marinating for several hours to maximize the flavor.
4. Halwa Puri
Puri is fry bread that’s puffy and a dish similar to bread pudding.
This is an authentic Pakistani recipe that’s sure to satisfy. The halwa combines semolina, butter, sugar, nuts, and dried fruits.
The result is a snack that balances sweet and savory when served with warm fried puri. You’re welcome to eat it as a breakfast, afternoon snack, or midnight treat.
5. Balochi Chicken Sajji
Chicken sajji is just the thing if you want poultry with incredible flavor! Aside from a whole chicken plus the marinade, all you need to make sajji is love!
Be sure to let that bird sit in its brine for at least 5 hours prior to baking. A marinade made from lemon juice, fresh spices, chiles, ginger, and garlic gives this chicken its distinctive flavor.
Baking it low and slow results in the juiciest chicken imaginable.
6. Doodh Patti Chai (Authentic Pakistani Chai)
Treat yourself to authentic chai instead of your usual chai latte because it is guaranteed to blow you away! When you make your own chai, you get the satisfaction of offering deliciousness in more than just a simple beverage.
Prior to adding milk, kick things off by simmering black tea and cardamom. Once the milk’s been added, it’ll begin to bubble and froth, so give it several minutes to simmer, enabling the flavor to fully develop.
Chai is best enjoyed while sharing laughter with people you appreciate.
7. Keema Naan (Flatbread)
What better way to round out an authentic Pakistani feast than with delicious naan?
However, this recipe goes far beyond just a typical flatbread! By stuffing the naan with flavorful, seasoned mincemeat, you can bake it to golden perfection.
This is practically a kebab inside naan, guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more. The keema naan makes an easy and satisfying meal because it has everything in one.
8. Chana Chaat
It is essential to have snacks in any culture. The tang, sweetness, and saltiness of this chana chaat make it a perfect treat to enjoy any time.
This recipe features a base of chickpeas, potatoes, red onion, and tomatoes. To make it delicious, add cilantro, chaat masala, and a savory chutney.
This chana chaat recipe is guaranteed to be a winner when served either cold or warm!
9. Pakistani Chicken Karahi
It is a given that Pakistani cuisine is unbelievably fragrant and flavorful. This chicken fits that description perfectly!
The chicken comes out so tender, mouthwatering, and well-spiced after it’s simmered in a tangy, rich tomato masala base. Because this is a curry that is on the drier side, serve it with naan rather than rice to soak everything up.
10. Chapli Kabab
Prior to cooking, a chapli kabab gets flattened, setting it apart from other Pakistani kebab meat.
Envision seasoned, succulent mincemeat shaped like burger patties. The flavor and aroma of each kebab get elevated by toasting the fresh spices before grinding.
The meat has a chance to fully soak in the spices thanks to a long marinating time. After frying your kabab patties, serve them with chutney and warm naan for something simple yet incredibly flavorful.
11. Aloo Baingan (Eggplant/Aubergine and Potato Curry)
For many folks, vegan curry is a mainstay on meatless Mondays. It is simple to throw together this satisfying, flavorful, and fueling combination of tender veggies and bold spices.
A savory, acidic masala base is the starting point for the potatoes and eggplant. If you want to tame the flavors of this yogurt-free curry, go ahead and add some yogurt.
For me, nothing beats enjoying warm sauce and veggies scooped up with a fresh piece of naan.
12. Kaali Daal (Black Lentils)
Kaali daal is tasty, satisfying, and comforting.
In short, it is everything you could want from a hearty dish. Lentils that are wonderfully spiced get a flavorful boost from aromatic tadka.
Daal is something that has tons of appeal. Serve alongside rice as a meatless main or with savory, spiced kabobs.
13. Mango Lassi
Westerners are increasingly discovering the appeal of mango lassi.
Its tart, creamy, and smooth profile makes it the perfect finish to any meal with Pakistani fare. This recipe boasts a pair of mango components: pulp and frozen, ripe chunks.
The mango gets blended alongside sugar, plain yogurt, whole milk, and ice. Consider adding a sprinkle of cardamom for a tasty, spiced twist.
14. Sarson Ka Saag (Mustard Greens & Spinach Curry)
With this saag, spinach and mustard greens have never tasted quite so delicious, so don’t be surprised if you’re soon going back for seconds.
Using your Instant Pot, toss in all of the saag ingredients before giving them a rough puree. You’ll then add a ghee and onion tadka (tempering) just before serving.
You can have it with naan as a main, or savor it together with grilled kebabs.
15. Dal Tadka
Recipes that easily transport me to another part of the world are my favorite, and this dal is definitely among my top choices for Pakistani cuisine.
In essence, dal tadka is a saucy dish of split peas served with tempered onions. It comes together easily in your own kitchen, and it’s sure to be heavily spiced!
Enjoy naan for scooping, or simply serve alongside another main.
16. Pakistani Seekh Kebab (Ground Beef Skewers)
Beef kebabs are a critical piece of Pakistani cuisine.
The trick to superb kebabs lies in great spices and a bit of passion. Prior to cooking, the ground beef is generously flavored with various aromatics, herbs, and spices.
These kebabs will prove delicious whether you decide to bake, grill, or fry them. Complete this meal with rice, fresh cucumber raita, and naan.
17. Pakistani Chicken Biryani
Among all the Pakistani meals I whip up at home, this chicken biryani has to be my favorite.
It is simple, wonderfully savory, and super comforting. This recipe has tender chicken, creamy spiced sauce, and potatoes served atop a bed of seasoned rice.
As an added bonus, it all comes together in just one pan for super easy cleanup! Wait to stir the rice together with the gravy until you’re ready to serve so the rice remains perfectly soft and flavorful.
18. Zarda Rice (Meethe Chawal)
If you know anything about Asian cuisine, then you know that rice is not limited to just savory dishes.
This sweet rice is a classic and can be easily adapted. The rice gets sweetened with a syrup of clove, cardamom, and ghee.
To complete the dish, top your rice with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a dessert that is both delicious and simple.
19. Paratha
Like naan, paratha is a type of flatbread.
But rather than baking, it’s pan-fried with a generous helping of ghee, making it a great side to enjoy with pretty much any meal. This savory bread needs only flour, water, and oil to make the dough.
Pair it with eggs and some chai for the most delicious Pakistani breakfast.
20. Gajar Ka Halwa
It couldn’t be simpler to make this comforting, authentic Pakistani dessert!
With its warm, pudding-like texture and comforting taste, halwa is like receiving a hug. It gets its flavor from carrots, milk, ghee, sugar, and cardamom.
Once it reaches the texture of mashed potatoes, you’ll know it’s ready. Prior to serving, add chopped pistachios for extra color and crunch, ensuring a dessert that’s spiced, sweet, and satisfying for any guest.
21. Mutton Korma
For an authentic Pakistani meal that’s sure to impress, this korma is just the thing!
To make the very best korma, source lamb or mutton from a local butcher and slowly stew it in a rich curry. The spiced curry will be bursting with flavor and feature plenty of heat.
Don’t forget to serve your korma with sliced almonds, steamed rice, and plenty of smiles!
22. Pakistani Pakora
Fried potatoes may be popular in Western pubs, but in Pakistan, they mean so much more.
When you share these crispy morsels of potato with your most cherished friends, it makes the moment that much better! Mix a batter with chilis, onion, and potatoes before tossing it in the wok.
Don’t forget to use plenty of oil to let those pakora float while they fry. These flavors are guaranteed to get you dancing with joy when served alongside chutney.
23. Lassi (Yogurt Drink)
The simplest lassi calls for ice, water, and Greek yogurt blended together.
This version kicks it up a notch thanks to a couple of secret ingredients. It couldn’t be simpler to whip up a tasty lassi at home.
Just combine milk, ice, Greek yogurt, whipping cream, and sugar. A cold and delicious lassi drink is the perfect complement to dishes that are spicy or to beat that summer heat.
Plus, try adding a dash of tarragon or a touch of fruit for a bit more flavor.