Pakistanis have been known for their love for two things: desserts and tea. Dessert and tea are an essential part of every Pakistani household and they are taken very seriously. No matter what time, place, or occasion, you will surely find sweets and cups of hot tea there, often served together.
As the best Pakistani restaurant in Chicago, Usmania Fine Dining always tries to bring authentic Pakistani and subcontinent flavors to its valued customers and the same goes for Pakistani sweets and teas.
Read on to find out about top Pakistani desserts and types of teas.
DESSERTS
Since Pakistanis love sweets, there is a wide diversity of desserts made in Pakistan. Desserts are considered celebratory food because they are often prepared and shared with friends and family during festivals and celebrations, or when one hears/gives good news. Below are some of the best options for your last course.
1. KHEER (RICE PUDDING)
Kheer is a very rich and satisfying dessert that is made with rice, milk, and sugar. Rice and sugar are mixed in hot milk and left to simmer on a low flame so that all the ingredients combine into a creamy, chunky pudding. It is also sometimes infused with the fragrance of green cardamom, rose water, and/or saffron. It is traditionally served in small clay saucers called thooti and garnished with chopped dry fruits and edible silver paper.
Kheer has many variations, the most common ones being firni, gajrela and rabri kheer. Kheer is often made on the occasion of Eid and there isn’t a single Pakistani household where kheer hasn’t been made at least once.
2. JALEBI
Pakistan is famous for jalebi. It is a deep-fried, crispy delight that is dipped in thick, sugary syrup and usually served hot. Jalebis are usually thin and crispy but many places sell jalebis that are thicker than usual and soak more sugar syrup than regular jalebis, making them extra sweet. Jalebis can be enjoyed on their own or with milk, which is a very famous combination known as doodh-jalebi.
3. KULFA FALOODA
A very refreshing dessert especially to have during intense Pakistani summers. It is prepared using very light vermicelli (made from corn flour), kulfa ice cream, and a drizzle of the famous red rose syrup, topped with basil seeds. There are many variations where one can add chopped dry fruits, jelly, pineapples, etc. to the dessert. This desi treat is loved by children and elders equally.
4. SHEER KHURMA
Sheer khurma is a traditional and considerably royal dessert of Pakistan, prepared on Eid festivals. Thin vermicelli is stir-fried in a bit of ghee (clarified butter) and then added to hot milk that has been thickened by cooking on low flame. Dry fruits such as dry dates, almonds, pistachio, cardamom, rose water or other essences are also added and the assortment is cooked till the flavors and colors merge to give a hot, delicious dessert that one keeps asking for more and more.
5. ZARDA
Zarda is a yellow rice dish that is made using rice, sugar, ghee or oil, dry fruits, cardamom, and miniature sweets such as gulab jamun and chum. Zarda is served hot and usually prepared during special events such as weddings and other family gatherings, which is why it is associated with joy and love by Pakistanis.
6. GULAB JAMUN
Gulab jamun is a famous sweet among Pakistanis and during a national pole, it was granted the title of National Dessert of Pakistan (unofficial). It is prepared by making small khoya (milk solids) balls, frying them in oil, and then dipping them in warm sugar syrup so that it is absorbed by the balls. Gulab jamuns are often garnished with crushed or chopped dry fruits and served warm, although can be eaten cold as well. You can’t have just one Gulab jamun and every Pakistani agrees.
TEA
Consuming tea is a cultural part of Pakistan and it is customary to have morning and evening tea. It is a common practice to have tea not only with family but also during formal get-togethers, meet-ups with friends, office/college lunch breaks, with guests and also served to domestic helpers/labor as a form of goodwill. Below are some of the types of teas that Pakistanis love to have.
1. DOODH PATTI
There is not a single soul in Pakistan who has not tasted doodh patti. It is a blend of black tea (patti) that is mixed with milk (doodh) that Pakistanis have during breakfast, evening tea, and literally at any time of the day.
Doodh patti has many variations. People usually add other things while brewing doodh patti to give it different flavors and aromas. The most famous ones are cardamom (elaichi chai), ginger (adrak chai), and saffron (zafrani chai). It can be made strong or light according to one’s taste preference and is usually taken with sugar or jaggery.
2. MASALA CHAI
Masala chai is the equivalent of spiced tea. It is made exactly like doodh patti with the addition of various spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger. The aroma is magical and it is regularly used during winters.
3. KASHMIRI CHAI
A very flavorful and aromatic tea with a light pinkish hue that Pakistanis love to have especially during winter. It is prepared using Kashmiri tea leaves and is brewed longer than black tea which is why in most households the tea is brewed in big pots and stored to be used later. Once the tea is brewed, milk, sugar or salt, and crushed pistachios are added as the final step. It is used during the winter and is considered special on family occasions.
4. MATKA CHAI
Matka tea is a relatively new addition to the Pakistani tea market which has made its way to Pakistan from Turkey. Matka tea is made exactly like doodh patti but served in a small clay pot called Matka. A clay pot is heated over a flame or by placing it inside very hot sand. Once the pot is scorching hot, the tea is poured inside it and as soon as it touches the pot’s surface it’s fused with an earthy smell and flavor which is an essential part of matka chai. Matka chai also comes in various flavors including plain, cardamom, ginger, vanilla, saffron, and chocolate.
CONCLUSION
Desserts and teas are not just foodstuffs but a cultural part of Pakistan. Although there are many Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Chicago, being the best Pakistani restaurant in Chicago, Usmania Fine Dining promises to deliver the best of subcontinent taste to its valued customers.
Please drop by to try our Qalandari Kheer, Gulab Jamuns, Usmania Falooda, and the newly launched Matka Zafrani (Saffron) Kheer to satisfy your sweet tooth. You are always welcome to have a cup of Hot Tea, Matka Tea, Matka Kashmiri Tea, and other teas or Matka Zafrani (Saffron) Coffee to make yourself warm and cozy in this weather.
