PAKISTANI STREET FOOD

Pakistani people love to eat more so because Pakistani food is rich with flavor – consisting of a variety of different spices and generous portions of ghee, every dish is ultimately unbelievably scrumptious. And if you’re lucky enough to be the guest of a Pakistani, they will always treat you to such divine and flavorsome food. 

SAMOSAS

Samosas are deep-fried, triangle shaped pastries that are filled with a myriad of ingredients ranging from vegetables to meat. Fillings can include potatoes, onions, lentils, peas, ground meat & of course, lots of spices. The pastry shell is crunchy, yet soft on the inside, and the flavorful, spicy filling makes for a heavenly experience. 

These savory pastries are deep fried and served hot, accompanied with mint chutney, red chutney and tamarind chutney. Being as delicious as they are, there is no designated time or place to consume them. 

Dahi bhalay 

Dahi Baray or Dahi vada is fried maash ki dal/lentils in the form of dumplings soaked in tempered yogurt, mixed with boiled potatoes and chickpeas. It is garnished with thinly sliced onions and topped with sweet and spicy tamarind chutney. 

It is a very popular street food item in Pakistan. This street food staple can be seen at numerous street stands where it is typically served cold, drizzled with dahi yogurt and chutneys. 

CHAAT

The idea of a chaat is a delicious but filling snack. It is cost-efficient and quick, can be eaten standing or on the go and is also a very popular type of street food. 

Most chaat has a bed of spicy chick peas/ garbanzo which is covered with sour, spicy, or cooling sauces on top. A final layer of some type of crunchy ingredient, such as papar, and the dish is ready to go. 

Some types of chaat include peanuts, crisps/ potatos, tamarind sauce, cool mint yoghurt, or a wide assortment of fresh cut veggies like white onion, tomatos cucumbers, or red beets. 

Bun kebab 

Bun kabab originated from Karachi, where it is seen being served in almost every street there. This savory snack, typically consisting of a burger bun filled with a combination of shami kebabs, chutney, yogurt sauce (raita), slices of onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. 

The filled bun is then seared/grilled on a big round heavy pan until nicely colored and crispy. Potato cutlets are used as a patti for the bun filling as well. 

Optional additions include egg omelets, tamarind sauce, cheese, and bacon. In Pakistan, bun kebab is usually enjoyed hot, cut in half and accompanied by roasted sweet potatoes, french fries and cup of chai/ hot tea on the side. 

Naan 

Naan is a traditional Pakistani flatbread which is soft, chewy and super delicious. 

The Naan dough is composed of flour, water, yogurt, and yeast, and is traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a ‘tandoor’. 

It is similar to pita bread. Its variations include the bread being baked with sesame seeds sprinkled on top and brushed with butter before serving. It is a staple of the everyday dinner routine, as this is one of the fastest, most versatile breads you can make at home. 

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By: Ash qureshi – @healthcoachforlife 

From Atlanta, GA, Currently living in Pakistan