Islamabad, Pakistan – Pakistan, a nation celebrated for its cultural richness, is now putting its unique culinary diversity on the map. The journey through Pakistan’s regional foods — from the peaks of the Himalayas to the coastlines of the Arabian Sea — offers an immersive experience into the nation’s flavors, traditions, and cultural heritage. This “tasteful journey” aims to highlight the vibrant spectrum of local dishes, many of which have remained hidden from mainstream exposure until now.
In recent years, food enthusiasts, chefs, and cultural activists have been working tirelessly to spotlight the regional dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of each province. The diversity in Pakistan’s landscape, climate, and culture has given rise to an impressive array of distinct cuisines across regions — each with its own flavors, ingredients, and stories.
Northern Delights: Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The journey begins in the mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the cold climate influences the hearty and nutritious dishes. Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its use of organic grains, meats, and dairy. Dishes like chapshoro (a stuffed bread with minced meat and vegetables) and mamtu (steamed dumplings) reflect the Central Asian influences that have seeped into the local cuisine. Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cuisine is rich in flavors, with dishes such as chapli kebab (a spiced minced meat patty) and peshawari naan (a stuffed bread with a sweet, nutty filling) being favorites across the country.
Punjab: The Land of Spices and Rich Flavors
Heading southward, Punjab’s cuisine is a blend of robust flavors and rich ingredients. Known as the agricultural heart of Pakistan, Punjab’s fertile lands produce a variety of spices, wheat, and dairy, forming the base of its cuisine. Iconic dishes like saag (mustard greens), makki di roti (cornbread), and butter chicken are known for their bold flavors and liberal use of butter and ghee. The food culture in Punjab is also deeply connected to its festive traditions, with dishes like biryani, karahi, and halwa puri becoming staple treats during gatherings and celebrations.
Sindh: Coastal Cuisine with a Twist
In Sindh, the coastal influence shapes the cuisine, with seafood playing a prominent role. From Karachi’s bustling streets to rural Sindhi villages, dishes like Sindhi biryani, palla fish (a local river fish cooked with spices), and saag (a green leafy stew) showcase the unique Sindhi spice blends that set this region apart. Sindhi food is known for its bold flavors, often achieved with the generous use of chili, garlic, and locally grown spices. Traditional dishes like seviyan (sweet vermicelli) are also popular in Sindhi households, especially during festive occasions.
Balochistan: Earthy and Exotic Flavors
Finally, Balochistan’s cuisine brings an earthy, rustic flavor to the table. With a large focus on meats and minimal spices, Balochi dishes emphasize the natural flavors of ingredients. The sajji — a whole lamb marinated in salt and cooked over an open flame — is perhaps the most famous dish, symbolizing the rugged and nomadic lifestyle of the Baloch people. Another notable dish is kaak (a hard bread baked in sand) which is often eaten with meat dishes. Balochi cuisine is simple yet flavorful, embodying the raw beauty of the province’s vast landscapes.
A Culinary Map Project
In response to the growing interest in Pakistan’s regional foods, a team of food historians and digital cartographers have come together to create an interactive culinary map of Pakistan. This project, titled “From Mountains to Coasts: A Tasteful Journey Through Pakistan’s Regional Foods”, allows users to explore regional specialties, complete with historical insights, recipes, and restaurant recommendations. The map is designed to serve as a guide for both locals and international tourists to delve into the country’s culinary depths.
Assam Altaf, a lead researcher on the project, shared, “We wanted to create something that highlights Pakistan’s food heritage as an integral part of its cultural identity. Each dish is not just food, but a story of the people, the land, and centuries-old traditions that have been passed down through generations.”
A Boost for Culinary Tourism
This project aims to boost culinary tourism in Pakistan, encouraging people to explore the country through its flavors. By mapping out regional dishes, the initiative hopes to attract tourists to lesser-known regions and local eateries, providing them with an authentic taste of Pakistan. Food festivals, pop-up events, and cooking workshops are also being planned in collaboration with tourism boards to further promote these regional foods.
In a country as culturally diverse as Pakistan, food remains one of the most powerful symbols of unity and heritage. This tasteful journey not only celebrates the nation’s culinary wealth but also paves the way for future generations to cherish and preserve these culinary treasures.
The culinary map project is set to launch early next year, promising food enthusiasts an unforgettable journey through Pakistan’s kitchens, from the majestic mountains to the sparkling coasts.
Dawn News, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, BBC Travel, The Express Tribune, National Geographic.
