What Is Pakistan's Best Dish?

Over 7,188 people voted for the following 5 options:

• Biryani
• Chapli Kebab
• Karahi
• Nihari
• Pakora

I will break down each dish along with my favorite at the end of the article.

The Test

Below are the results of my test after 14 hours. It's clear who the winner is: Biryani! 🥳

Image of poll results

But What Is Biryani?

Biryani is one of the most traditional and iconic dishes that you can have in Pakistan. Its roots stretch back centuries and it's often debated where the recipe originally came from. Guhlam Murtaza shares that Biryani came from Persian and Mughlai cuisine and was adopted by Pakistan whose chefs made their own twist on the dish.

There are many different versions of the dish, but one thing you can expect is that each one is an explosion of flavor and will always have rice as its base. From there you can expect a variety of different spices, meats, vegetables, and even yogurt.

Image of Biryani

This is one of my favorite meals to have in Pakistan and I can't wait to eat more of it when I'm back there in May.

Chapli Kebab

The second highest rated dish from my test with 883 of the 7,188 votes.

Image of Poll Results for Chapli Kebab

I'm not surprised Chapli Kebab comes in at number 2. This dish has its roots in the incredible city of Peshawar, one of Pakistan's most historical cities and home to some of the most friendly people I've ever met.

The name of the dish itself has a cool history, "originating from the Pashto word 'chapli' or 'chaprikh', which means flat or patty-like," shares National Made Easy. It's an adaptation of the standard kebab which is cooked on a skewer over a grill. Unsurprising that Pakistan found great food and discovered how to make it even more delicious.

Image of me in Peshawar, Pakistan

This is a meat dish which comes from beef, lamb, or chicken. My favorite is the beef version and I will be satisfying my hunger for Chapli Kebab this May when I'm back in Pakistan.

Karahi: What Foreigners Most Associate With Pakistani Cuisine

The third in our list is Karahi at 748 of 7,188 votes.

Image of Poll Results for Karahi

Karahi is probably the most popular dish amongst foreigners. I'm not surprised given this dish has immense flavor and is often paired with slow cooked chicken, beef, or lamb that melts off the bone. It typically comes in a tomato base and often has a variety of spices depending on who is cooking it.

The name Karahi is interesting since it means both the dish itself as well as what cooking instrument is used in its making.

Image of Karahi

You can find this dish all over the world, but the best ones will always be in Pakistan.

Nihari: The Most Delicious Stew in the World

In 4th place we have Nihari at 563 of 7,188 votes.

Image of Poll Results for Nihari

This is a meal that is slow cooked and most often paired with tender beef or lamb shanks that are juicy with each bite.

Google Arts & Culture claims this is the national dish of Pakistan and I understand why.

In every city in Pakistan you will find someone preparing this dish in a large pot meant to serve dozens of people. This reflects one of the greatest things about Pakistani culture: Hospitality.

Image of me with Pakistani locals in Abbottabad, Pakistan

Everywhere you go in Pakistan you will be met with open arms and this is exactly the reason why I love Pakistan so much. Nihari is a dish that helps facilitate connection.

Last But Not Least: Pakora

One of my favorite snacks that you can find on most street corners in Pakistan. This dish is crispy and delicious, often something I would eat between meals and one that you can find people enjoying during Ramadan.

Pakora received only 206 out of 7,188 votes, but don't let that fool you, this is one of Pakistan's best snacks that you can eat.

Image of Poll Results for Pakora

This is a deep fried snack that is mostly made up of vegetables, most commonly onions and potatoes. It truly is one of the best things that you can eat whilst exploring Pakistan's different cities and is one of the things that you can't pass up on during your trip.

Image of me enjoying Pakora with a Pakistani local

But What Is My Favorite?

The question you have all been waiting for! If you know me, you likely know what my answer is. The Cheese Paratha.

The first time I had Cheese Paratha was in 2021 and I've been addicted ever since. Many people in Pakistan even know me specifically as The Cheese Paratha Guy and that is a title that I am proud of having.

All of the dishes that Pakistan has to offer are incredible, but I will always go back to my favorite.

Image of me enjoying Cheese Paratha in Pakistan

Image of Poll results for the best dish in Pakistan

Thanks everyone for reading and if you are a traveller on your way to one of my favorite countries in the world, don't forget to stay connected!