Pakistan Foodie Guide: Where to Eat the Most Delicious Food in Pakistan

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Some of the most memorable meals of my life were eaten in Pakistan. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of someone’s home being served dish after dish of delicious yet unidentifiable food. These, unfortunately, are the meals that I can’t direct you to. You’ll have to meet locals and be open to these intimate experiences. But I can direct you to the truly exceptional restaurants in all the major cities and tourist destinations of Pakistan where you can begin to get a handle on the cuisine.

Here’s where you should eat while traveling in Pakistan in our giant Pakistan foodie guide!

A Few Important Restaurant Tips

• Always bring cash. Don’t expect that anywhere can accept cards because the internet is often unreliable.
• Watch out for impersonators. It’s very common for new restaurants to rip off the names of successful ones. This is why I included addresses with all my recommendations.
• As a woman, you might be asked or directed to eat in the “family-room” of certain restaurants. This is where mixed-gender parties eat. Sometimes, they will forgo the rules because you are foreign.

Pakistani Food vs Indian Food

Okay, while I have eaten extensively in both these countries I’m not an expert. From my experience, I found that Indian Cuisine is more vegetable heavy with a wide diversity of veggies used. Pakistan loves meat. Other than that there is a lot of overlap. India is a much larger country and therefore has an even greater diversity in cuisine across the nation. Both cuisines have some of my favorite food in the world.

What to Eat in Pakistan as a Vegan or Vegetarian Traveler

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveling in Pakistan there are only a handful of traditional meals you will be able to eat. They include dal, naan, roti, vegetable Biryani, Pulau, veggie Haleem, and Punjabi-influenced vegetable curries like Aloo Gobi, Chana, and Palak Paneer (Vegetarian not Vegan).

India is definitely a more vegan/vegetarian-friendly destination. This Pakistan Foodie guide won’t be filled with vegetarian meals but there is a few scattered about.

Where to Eat in Pakistan: The Ultimate Pakistan Foodie Guide

Let’s dig into some Pakistani cuisine.

But keep in mind, that home-cooked meals are always the best. Anytime small guesthouses offer dinner or meals to be prepared for you, take them up on this. These restaurants will fill the gaps in your otherwise full eating itinerary.

What to Eat in Lahore (Pakistan Foodie Guide)

Lahore is the foodie capital of Pakistan. It’s also a difficult city to locate foodie favorites without a guide. But don’t worry I’m here to help.

Lahori cuisine is part of Punjabi Cuisine. If Punjabi food sounds familiar to you, you’ve likely been to India or at least frequented an Indian Restaurant. You can expect lots of rich curries, meats, and naan in this style of cooking. The city of Amritsar in India best represents the Indian version of Punjabi cooking, it’s 100% vegetarian typically on that side of the border. THIS side of the border…not so much.

Read More: Crossing the land border from Amritsar, India into Lahore, Pakistan.

Chatkhara

• Address: H-14, 147 Street 15, Lahore, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Dal Makhni for lunch or Halwa Puri + Chulcha Chana for breakfast

Puri is the thin-flaky delicious bread that puffs up when fried in vats of ghee. The Halwa is the sweet semolina “pudding” that you pile into the bread. This is the most famous Pakistani breakfast and my personal favorite breakfast meal in Pakistan. Mostly because I prefer a little sweet with my morning chai. You can balance the sweet with the spicy savory bowl of chickpea curry as well.

Ashraf Tikka Shop

• Address: 10-E Main Blvd, Main Market, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Chicken or Mutton Karahi

Confession: You will probably eat Karahi 10,000 times in Pakistan. It’s a common Pakistani dish and a specialty at countless restaurants. Somehow it seems to be the one dish that crosses all cultures in Pakistan. Served in a large black wok-shaped dish still sizzling in hot oil this Karahi is excellent, famous, and a good representation of Karahi in Pakistan. I liked the Karahi from Butt Karahi better (below).

Another Iconic Chicken Karahi Place: Butt Karahi. Address: Gita Bhavan Building 18/3, Lakshmi Chowk, McLeod Rd, Royal Park, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan

Sarhad (MUST-EAT)

• Address: Opposite, 14/17 Gurumangat Rd, Jinnah Park Block N Gulberg 3, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Afghan Pulao, Afghan Roti, + Chicken Karahi

Pulao is different than biryani. Pulao is a hearty rice dish made by first frying the grains and then cooking the rice in a rich seasoned broth. Afghan Pulao drifted over from the neighboring country on the Silk Road and is filled with tasty meat morsels and dried fruit. The roti here is big enough to share and a must-eat.

If you miss the Pulao here be sure to pick some up in Peshawar where the dish is very common.

Khalifa Balochi Sajji

• Address: Shop #37, Main Bazar, Mughalpura Rd, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Chicken Sajji w/ Rice

This guy is a master at BBQ-ing chickens. There’s just something about this succulent chicken and rich Biryani that make this place one of my faves in Lahore. Best for dinner when you’re really hungry.

Muhammad Siddique Fish Corner (MUST-EAT)

• Address: 86 Allama Iqbal Rd, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Fried Lahori River Fish w/ Tamarind Sauce

This is my favorite meal in Lahore. While you might be questioning my judgment as I recommend fish in a desert…I promise you won’t be disappointed. This is Lahori river fish (also not a super appetizing thought but just trust me), lightly battered and heavily spiced, fried in mustard oil, and served with naan and a drool-worthy fresh tamarind sauce. Please do yourself a favor and pay this shop a visit.

It’s a short walk away from Khalifa Balochi Sajji.

Chaman Ice Cream

• Address: H86C+V3J, Beadon Rd, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Any and all ice cream. W/ or w/o fruit toppings.

I’m not sure I have to go into detail here. Ice cream is the favorite dessert of Pakistan. This place is one of the most popular in the city.

Food Streets: If you are looking to browse some street food selections the best streets to walk are the Hall Road Market at night, Gawalmandi Food Street in the daytime, Old Anarkali Food Street during the day.

Riaz Halwa Puri (MUST-EAT)

Speaking of street food, this roadside stall is on the Old Anarkali Food Street.

• Address: H885+XW7, Tourist St, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Desi Lahore Breakfast of Halwa

Another Halwa Puri Stop: This iconic breakfast is all over Lahore. Head to Zafar Halwa Puri Shop at Jan Muhammad Rd, Anarkali Bazaar Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan for another take with their whole wheat puri.

Waris Nihari

• Address: 7 Abkari Rd, Urdu Bazaar Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Sheermaal + Nihari

Nihari is a delicious hearty breakfast, heavily spiced, with meat (usually beef) slow-cooked in rich ghee and animal fat. It’s served alongside some form of bread or dipping apparatus to soak up the juices and stack on the tender chunks of meat. This is one of the tastiest meals in Pakistan when it’s done correctly. And here it is.

What to Eat in Islamabad (Pakistan Foodie Guide)

Islamabad is the most “boring” city in Pakistan. But it’s still in the Punjabi cultural region which means that the food scene is excellent. Add to that Islamabad has a lot of Western and international influence bringing foreign flavors and cooking styles into the mix. Personally, I think if you want fusion food though…wait for Karachi. This is what I recommend eating during your short time in Islamabad.

Read More: Check out my full month-long Pakistan itinerary. *coming soon*

Best Place to Sleep in Islamabad?

Coyote Den Traveler’s Hostel is owned by my good friends Sana + Alex. But don’t worry I wouldn’t recommend this place if it wasn’t truly the best place to stay in the city. Not only will you get incredible resources and recommendations but you’ll get to meet cool people. Don’t want a dorm? Don’t worry they also have private rooms!!

Quetta Tea & Teas (MUST-EAT)

• Address: M2W7+384, Margalla Plaza, Ground Floor, Sumbal Rd, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Beef Paratha with Cheese + Chai

I ate here almost every morning during the many days I spent in Islamabad. It probably contributed to the 10 lbs I gained in the country. On occasion, I was permitted to sit in the open-air outdoor area while we ate which was wonderful (rather than the indoor family area for women). Get the beef paratha with cheese for a rich delicious breakfast with your chai.

Paratha is a slightly denser thicker and flakier bread made by shallow frying in ghee. They are best when stuffed like this rather than plain.

Khabbay Ki Sajji

• Address: Opposite Divine Enterprises, F-10 Markaz F 10/3 F-10, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory 44000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Chicken Sajji w/ Rice and Kebab

A flavorful rendition of Pakistani staples. I prefer the Sajji to the kebabs here.

TKR

• Address: Lehtarar Road, Taramri, Tarlai Kalan, Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Kabuli Pulao + Dum Pukht + Lamb Karahi

While admittedly WAY out of the way. This place is well worth the trek.

Xinhua Capital Restaurant

• Address: Imperial Square, Shop No 5, Lower Ground, Sector E-11, 2 Markaz SCHS, Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Pakistani Chinese Cuisine + Blended Mint “Mojito”

While I’m sure you could find better or more traditional Chinese food in Pakistan–this place is the perfect example of Chinese/Pakistani fusion. It’s a neighborhood favorite and popular with locals. The blended mint mojitos are also to die for. There are thousands of Chinese immigrants living and working in Pakistan so you’ll come across Chinese cuisine quite often in the country.

Sufi Restaurant (MUST-EAT)

• Address: 1-C Plaza, Service Rd E, Islamabad, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Chapli Kebab

AKA the flip-flop kebab. You might be thinking, NOT ANOTHER KEBAB. But yes, another kebab. This one is well worth the gut-busting satisfaction you’ll get after eating. This place was shown to me by a local. Ignore the reviews. I promise you won’t regret it. This is a dinner meal for sure.

Punjab Samosa & Restaurant (MUST-EAT)

• Address: F/10 Markaz, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Saturday Breakfast of Suji Halwa and Aloo ki Bhujia

I’m under the impression that this particular spot is “best” or only opens on Saturdays with freshly made puri breads and PHENOMENAL Halwa and tangy Bhujia. Sit outside and enjoy the morning air.

Best Eats in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is the city adjacent to Islamabad. They are so close together, bleeding into one another’s streets travelers consider them to be one destination. Islamabad is all grids and order while Rawalpindi is a narrow-street filled death-trap of chaos. Driving here sucks. But the food, specifically the streetside eats, are delicious. Here are my favorites.

Kheer With Pistachios at Pehalwan Ji Kheer House

I love kheer. It’s so simple. Made from milk, sugar, and rice but oh so delicious. This one is topped with pistachio.

Address: Bhabra Bazar Rd, Bhabra Bazar, Mohalla Waris Khan, Shan Chan Chiragh, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan

Lassi With Ghee at Lassi Ji

You should drink a lassi after every meal. Just ask a Pakistani. But unfortunately, I don’t love the salt lassi style that’s so common in Pakistan. This spot in Rawalpindi plops a satisfying dollop of Ghee on top to make it extra rich and creamy.

Address: J384+JX9, Urdu Bazar Rd, Sarafa Bazar Chowk, Raja Bazar, Shan Chan Chiragh, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan

Eating/drinking lassi will definitely help you avoid food poisoning, so that’s a plus.

Samosa Chat at Samosa House (Old Name: Lahori Samosay)

Chat is a snack food that you’ll see all across Pakistan and India. This Rawalpindi version is made with a potato samosa, topped with sweet chutney, sour yogurt, crispy fried bits, and warm chickpea curry. It’s an eruption of flavors on your taste buds. Not for people who don’t like their foods to touch.

Address: J366+CWW, Gorden College Rd, Naya Mohalla, Rawalpindi, Punjab 46000, Pakistan

Lahori Chaska

• Address: PX3H+JPM, Street 70, MPCHS E-11/3 MPCHS E 11/2 E-11, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Easy fast food + Naan

I’m going to throw this Islamabad food stop on as more of a place of convenience than actually phenomenal food. E-11 is where I recommend travelers stay in all my Pakistan itineraries *coming soon* and this place is open early morning serving up decent eats.

What to Eat in Gilgit Baltistan

A region famed for its golden apples, apricots, cherries, and walnuts. Gilgit Baltistan and the Hunza Valley have a lighter, more veggie-forward cuisine than the Punjabi meals in Lahore and Islamabad.

Yes, Gilgit-Baltistan is a huge region of Pakistan. I’ll try to break it down further by city below. But these are all the must-eat meals in the Northern mountains of Pakistan.

What to Eat in Karimabad

Hunza Food Pavilion by Laal Shehzadi

• Address: 8MF9+QHM, N-35, Hunza, Ali Abad, Gilgit-Baltistan
• Iconic Dish: Chapshuro + Hoi Lo Garma + Giyaling

Here’s where we really start to shake up the typical Pakistani diet of meat, bread, and rice. And this spot has a beautiful view of the Hunza Valley. AND it’s run by local women!! This is a rarity in Pakistan. Chapshuro is a meat pocket with onions and veggies and the Hoi Lo Garma is a light soup made with locally grown greens like mustard greens and wheat noodles.

Giyaling is a sweet whole-wheat pancake with (usually) apricot syrup.

The cuisine of Gilgit Baltistan is far less spicy than other regions of Pakistan.

What to Eat in Passu

Passu is the prettiest place in Pakistan’s North. It’s on both my travel itineraries. While there is not an abundance of places worth eating…there is one.

Yak Grill

• Address: N-35, Passu
• Iconic Dish: Yak Burger w/ a view

This is a tourist and local favorite. The burgers themselves are freshly made and tasty, stacked with veggies, and served alongside crispy wedge fries. But the real treat is the stunning views of the Passu Cones. You’ll want to stop here regardless of food.

What to Eat in Karachi (Pakistan Foodie Guide)

Karachi. The metropolitan desert city of 20 million. This is where you’ll find incredible variety in cuisine. Karachi’s traditional food is often served on the street and is often very very spicy. The southern Sindh province is known for its Biryani and Chicken Karahi (mentioned earlier) but it’s a city where you won’t be left without choice. Here are my favorite places to eat on a quick stop in Karachi.

Read More: What to eat when visiting Rajasthan, India.

Sirf Meerath Kabab & Barbecue

• Address: Saba Ave, Phase V Badar Commercial Area Defence V Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Kabab Paratha

Combining two of my favorite Pakistani meals.

Super Biryani and Bun Kebab

• Address: Shop no 1A, V3F4+6WC to 3A Super Biryani, Outram Rd, P.E.C.H.S Block 2 PakistanChowk, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, 74200, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Beef Biryani + Bun Kebab

Biryani differs from Pulao in that all the ingredients aren’t equally combined. Each delicious spicy bite can be different. This local chain is super famous in Karachi, the best place to try Biryani in Pakistan. But we didn’t make it here so I can’t really vouch for its deliciousness.

The reason I’m most upset we didn’t make it here is the bun kebab. It’s like a mini-burger slathered with mint chutney. It’s also the most popular Karachi menu item in this guide. You’ll see bun kebab everywhere, it’s a great lunch or quick snack to keep you going.

Xander’s Clifton

• Address: C32, E St, Block 4 Clifton, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh, 75500, Pakistan

While it seems weird to include westernized food in this guide, it wouldn’t be Karachi without a foray into the international. Here you can find powerful A/C, delicious sandwiches, fries, and an array of Pakistani-fusion foods, as well as fresh juice and high-quality espresso drinks. After a month of nothing but heavy Pakistani food, this was a welcome send-off.

Burns Road Food Street

This wildly popular street food area has an array of exceptional eats. Best for dinnertime or after dark.

• Waheed Kabab House. Anything BBQ-ed is delicious here.
• Delhi Rabri House. Milk-based sweets and gulab jamon.
• Mazaidar Haleem & Foods. Haleem is a gloopy mixture of barley, wheat, and chickpea that you must try at least once in Pakistan. It’s not my cup of tea for texture.
• Azad Bun Kabab House. Another great place for the bun kebabs.

Another food street that’s less known by tourists? Bohra Food Street. Lots of top-notch food here including chicken corn soup, Maalpura, and Kaleji.

Random Places to Eat in Pakistan

On the off chance you too are on a motorcycle adventure through Pakistan and visiting lesser-traveled places, these are a few foodie stops along the way you can add to your itinerary.

Khorak Mahal

• Address: JXGX+V6V, Alladhand, Dheri, Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: BBQ Meats. All of it.

If you’re a carnivore and not yet sick and tired of meat, this is where you’ll find the best skewers and kebabs in the country. No contest. I stuffed myself here.

Royal Guesthouse (Ishkoman Valley)

• Address: Can be found on Maps.Me

If you find yourself in the stunning mountainous region of Ishkoman Valley, you MUST stay here. Not just for the wonderful host, but also the FOOD. This place cooked up some of the best home-cooked meals I had in all of Pakistan.

Peace Cafe (Kalash)

• Address: The Peace Cafe, Kalash, Karakul, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
• Iconic Dish: Pulao + Afghan naan + Spicy Chickpea

The food here was some of the best I ate in Pakistan. All the dishes are simple and traditional but done SO WELL. If you make it out to Kalash then you should eat here.

Kalash is one of the few places you can drink local wine and liquor. It’s not great, but consider it a cultural experience.

Neelum View (Muzaffarabad)

• Address: Neelum View Hotel, Neelum Road, Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 13100
• Iconic Dish: Kashmiri Meatballs

These Kashmiri meatballs are large covered in a succulent yogurt sauce and worth a visit to this riverside hotel. Even if you don’t stay here, the restaurant serves great Kashmiri cuisine with portions big enough to share.

Note On Pakistani Food Culture

Like all other social settings in Pakistan, there are rules when it comes to eating. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as a traveler in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

• You will often eat with your hands. Try to eat with your right hand rather than your left.
• Eat all your food. I know it can be difficult when you’re stuffed to the brim but in many parts of Pakistan, it’s considered rude to refuse food. So always accept a helping, even if it’s small and eat as much as you physically can. You’ll gain a little weight in Pakistan, but it will be worth it.
• Leave a tiny bite on your plate to signal that you are finished. Empty means you might want another helping.

This is obviously not a comprehensive list of everywhere to eat in Pakistan, but these restaurants are a good place to start. I tried to get recommendations from locals in each city so this list isn’t just based on Google reviews and my own foreigner palate. Drop all your favorite Pakistani restaurants and where to find them in the comments so this Pakistan foodie guide can grow!

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