Top 10 Foods To Eat In Northern Areas of Pakistan

From the mountainous landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan to the serene valleys of Azad Kashmir, these Northern areas of Pakistan provide not only exceptional natural beauty, but also an extensive variety of mouth-watering cuisines just waiting to be discovered. In this list we will go through top 10 foods to eat In Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Top 10 Foods To Eat In Northern Areas of Pakistan

Here’s the list of Top 10 Foods To Eat In Northern Areas of Pakistan:

Chapli Kabab
Trout Fish
Chapshuro
Shinwari Tikka
Walnut cake
Mantu
Kabuli Pulao
Yak
Harissa
Chicken or Lamb Tikka

1. Chapli Kabab

Chapli Kababs are a well-known and popular dish in Pakistan’s Northern Areas, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ground meat, usually beef or mutton, is blended with a variety of spices, herbs, and crushed coriander seeds to make these delectable kababs.

The mixture is then formed into thick, round patties and shallow-fried until a crispy, golden crust forms. Chapli Kababs are frequently served with naan, yogurt, and a variety of chutneys.

These delicious kababs are a culinary highlight while visiting Pakistan’s northern areas, providing a taste of the native culture and cuisine.

2. Trout Fish

Because of the region’s magnificent natural beauty and availability of freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes, trout fishing is a popular outdoor activity in northern Pakistan.

Because of its solid, white, and slightly sweet meat, the fish is popular in local cuisine. One popular method is to grill or barbeque the trout over an open flame, seasoned with local spices and herbs.

3. Chapshuro

Chapshuro is a delicious and popular food in Pakistan’s northern areas, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). It is a classic and filling snack and supper appreciated by both residents and tourists.

Chapshuro is a savory pastry stuffed with minced meat usually mutton or beef and various spices. It’s often served with chutney and is a must-try street food.

4. Shinwari Tikka

Shinwari Tikka is a famous dish in the northern regions especially of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). It takes its name from the Shinwari Pashtun tribe. Shinwari Tikka is a barbeque dish that generally consists of marinated and grilled chunks of meat, most commonly chicken or mutton.

Marination is essential to the flavor of Shinwari Tikka. Meat (typically boneless) is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs. The meat is then skewered and cooked over an open flame or in a tandoor (clay oven). It is usually served hot with naan (flatbread) or roti.

5. Walnut Cake

Satisfy your sweet craving with the Walnut Pie, a Northern specialty. Finely chopped walnuts, sugar, honey, and spices make up the pie filling. This combination produces a rich and delicious sweet and nutty flavor profile.

The pie is often cooked with a buttery, flaky crust that pairs wonderfully with the sweet walnut filling. It is often made for festivals, festivities, and special occasions.

6. Mantu

Mantu, also called as Manti or Mantou in some areas, is a popular dish in Pakistan’s Northern Areas, particularly in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Mantu are delicate dumplings filled with spiced minced meat, usually lamb or beef, and cooked to perfection. Mantu is generally served with traditional sauces and yogurt.

7. Kabuli pulao

Kabuli Pulao is a popular dish in various regions, including Northern Pakistan. This savory and aromatic rice dish originated in Afghanistan but has since become a popular component of Pakistani cuisine, particularly in the north, where it is sometimes adapted to local tastes.

Kabuli Pulao is traditionally made with lamb or mutton. However, depending on regional tastes, alterations may include chicken or beef.

The meal is spiced with aromatic spices such as cumin, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, which give the rice a deep and complex flavor. Caramelized carrots, almonds, and raisins are added on top of the pulao.

8. Yak

Yak meat from Pakistan’s Northern Areas is a distinct and culturally significant component of the region’s cuisine. Yak meat is distinguished by its distinct flavor and texture.

It is leaner and more flavorful than common meats like beef or mutton. When cooked properly, the meat has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor with a soft and juicy texture.

9. Harissa

Harissa is a traditional and hearty meal from Pakistan’s Northern Areas, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. Harissa consists mainly of two ingredients: wheat and meat, most commonly chicken or mutton. The meat infuses the wheat with its natural juices and spices, giving it a rich and savory flavor.

It’s frequently seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices like as cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, and, on sometimes, saffron or turmeric. As a result, the dish is both tasty and comforting.

10. Chicken or Lamb Tikka

Chicken and lamb tikka are both classic South Asian dishes, each with their own distinct flavor character. Chicken and Lamb Tikka are both popular and beloved meals among locals and visitors in Pakistan’s Northern Areas.

Marinated boneless pieces of chicken or lamb are skewered and grilled or cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). Tikka chicken or lamb is frequently served with naan or paratha, as well as mint chutney and a side of fresh salad.

conclusion

These delicacies capture the essence of Northern Pakistani cuisine, combining traditional flavors with alpine beauty. Whether you’re a foodie or a visitor, trying these foods will be a memorable and fulfilling experience.