25 Popular And Delicious Food Of Islamabad

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is not only known for its political significance but also boasts a diverse culinary scene that offers a wide range of popular and delicious dishes. Here are the 25 popular and delicious foods you must try when visiting Islamabad:

 

1. Nihari:

Start your culinary journey with a steaming bowl of nihari. This slow-cooked beef stew is rich, flavorful, and often enjoyed for breakfast with naan or paratha.

2. Samosas:

You'll find samosa vendors all over Islamabad. These crispy, triangular pastries are typically stuffed with spiced potatoes and served with chutney.

 

3. Seekh Kebabs:

Seekh kebabs are a must-try for meat lovers. Made from minced meat (usually beef or chicken), they are seasoned with spices and grilled to perfection.

4. Biryani:

Islamabad offers a variety of biryani options, including chicken, mutton, and beef. This aromatic rice dish is flavored with fragrant spices and often garnished with fried onions and boiled eggs.

 

5. Haleem:

A hearty and wholesome dish, haleem is a slow-cooked mixture of wheat, barley, and various meats, simmered to perfection. It's often garnished with fried onions, lemon, and fresh coriander.

 

6. Chapli Kebabs:

A specialty of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cuisine, chapli kebabs are minced meat patties infused with spices and herbs. They're typically served with naan and chutney.

 

7. Aloo Paratha:

Aloo paratha is a popular breakfast option. It's a stuffed flatbread filled with spiced mashed potatoes and cooked on a griddle.

 

8. Dahi Puri:

This popular street food consists of crispy hollow balls filled with a mixture of yogurt, tamarind chutney, potatoes, and spices, offering a delightful burst of flavors in every bite.

9. Saag:

Saag is a hearty and healthy Punjabi dish made from mustard greens and spinach. It's often cooked with various spices and served with makki di roti (corn flat bread).

 

10. Chana Chaat:

Chana chaat is a tangy and spicy chickpea salad mixed with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a flavorful assortment of spices.

 

11. Peshawari Karahi:

This dish features tender pieces of meat (chicken, mutton, or beef) cooked in a wok-like pan (karahi) with spices and tomatoes, resulting in a delectably rich and spicy curry.

12. Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti:

Another Punjabi favorite, this combination features mustard greens cooked with spices and served with corn flat bread. It's the quintessential winter comfort food.

 

13. Chapati/Roti with Lassi:

Simple yet satisfying, chapati or roti (flatbread) paired with a tall glass of lassi (a yogurt-based drink) is a common and wholesome meal in Islamabad.

14. Golgappa/Pani Puri:

These bite-sized hollow puris are filled with spicy tamarind water, chickpeas, potatoes, and chutney, creating a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth.

 

15. Fruit Chaat:

To satisfy your sweet tooth, try a fruit chaat. It's a refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed with spices and a hint of lemon juice.

 

16. Chapshuro:

A specialty of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, chapshuro is a savory pastry filled with minced meat (usually beef or mutton) and spices, baked or fried to perfection.

 

17. Pakistani Pulao:

Different from biryani, Pakistani pulao is a fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, mutton, or beef) and aromatic spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.

 

18. Aloo Tikki Chaat:

Aloo tikki is a deep-fried potato patty that is then topped with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and a mix of spices, creating a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

 

19. Rabri:

For dessert lovers, rabri is a rich and creamy sweet dish made by simmering milk for hours until it thickens and sweetens, often garnished with nuts and saffron.

20. Gajar ka Halwa:

A traditional winter dessert, gajar ka halwa is made from grated carrots cooked in milk, ghee, and sugar and garnished with nuts, making it a warm and indulgent treat.

 

21. Afghani Pulao:

Inspired by Afghan cuisine, this pulao features aromatic rice cooked with tender chunks of meat and garnished with raisins and shredded carrots.

 

22. Cholay Bhature:

A popular weekend brunch option, cholay bhature consists of spicy chickpea curry served with deep-fried bread (bhature), creating a hearty and flavorful combination.

 

23. Pakoras:

Enjoyed especially during rainy days, pakoras are deep-fried fritters made from various ingredients like potatoes, onions, spinach, and eggplants, coated in gram flour batter.

 

24. Jalebi:

A favorite dessert in Islamabad, jalebi is a deep-fried, sweet pretzel-shaped treat soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy yet syrupy delight.

 

25. Kulfi:

Kulfi is a traditional Indian and Pakistani ice cream that comes in various flavors like pistachio, mango, and rose and has a dense and creamy texture.

These dishes offer a diverse range of flavors and culinary experiences in Islamabad, with something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy exploring the city's rich and delicious food culture! When exploring the culinary delights of Islamabad, don't forget to embrace the local flavors and street food experience. With spicy, savory, and sweet dishes, Islamabad has something to offer every palate.