Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (often abbreviated KP or KPK) is one of the four administrative provinces of Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern region of the country along the International border with Afghanistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the third-largest province of Pakistan by the size of both population and economy, though it is geographically the smallest of four. It is home to 17.9% of Pakistan’s total population, with the majority of the province’s inhabitants being Pashtuns and Hindko speakers. Some of the best desi food is found in KPK.
KPK is famous for Pashtun-style cuisine. Pashtun cuisine is largely based on a plethora of meat dishes that include lamb, beef, chicken, and fresh fish as well as rice and some other vegetables. Accompanying these staples are also dairy products (yogurt, whey, cheeses), various nuts, as well as fresh and dried fruits.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to some superb foods. Below are some of the must-try traditional desi food options if you are visiting KPK.
1. PESHAWARI CHAPLI KEBAB
Peshawar is the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from where these magical kebabs originate. The vendors make them using minced lamb meat and then fry them in animal fat instead of oil. Although these kebabs can be of any meat, locals traditionally use lamb meat. Other main ingredients include herbs and spices such as chili powder, coriander leaves, ginger, coriander or cumin seeds, green chilies, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The meat mix also includes chopped onion and tomatoes, as well as a seasoning of lemon juice or pomegranate seeds.
Chapli kebab is not just famous throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan (Pashtun-dominated country) but is also featured on the menu of many South Asian restaurants across the world. People love to have Chapli Kebab with Afghnai naan-roti, salad, various chutneys, and Kabuli Pulao. This brings us to another famous dish from KPK.
We serve the best Chapli Kebabs among Devon Avenue restaurants, don’t forget to try them!
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (often abbreviated KP or KPK) is one of the four administrative provinces of Pakistan. It is located in the northwestern region of the country along the International border with Afghanistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the third-largest province of Pakistan by the size of both population and economy, though it is geographically the smallest of four. It is home to 17.9% of Pakistan’s total population, with the majority of the province’s inhabitants being Pashtuns and Hindko speakers. Some of the best desi food is found in KPK.
KPK is famous for Pashtun-style cuisine. Pashtun cuisine is largely based on a plethora of meat dishes that include lamb, beef, chicken, and fresh fish as well as rice and some other vegetables. Accompanying these staples are also dairy products (yogurt, whey, cheeses), various nuts, as well as fresh and dried fruits.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to some superb foods. Below are some of the must-try traditional desi food options if you are visiting KPK.
1. PESHAWARI CHAPLI KEBAB
Peshawar is the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from where these magical kebabs originate. The vendors make them using minced lamb meat and then fry them in animal fat instead of oil. Although these kebabs can be of any meat, locals traditionally use lamb meat. Other main ingredients include herbs and spices such as chili powder, coriander leaves, ginger, coriander or cumin seeds, green chilies, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. The meat mix also includes chopped onion and tomatoes, as well as a seasoning of lemon juice or pomegranate seeds.
Chapli kebab is not just famous throughout Pakistan and Afghanistan (Pashtun-dominated country), but is also featured on the menu of many South Asian restaurants across the world. People love to have Chapli Kebab with Afghnai naan-roti, salad, various chutneys, and Kabuli Pulao. This brings us to another famous dish from KPK.
We serve the best Chapli Kebabs among Devon Avenue restaurants, don’t forget to try them!
3. PESHAWARI KARAHI
Peshawari Karahis are one of a kind! Many Karahis are famous from Peshawar with different names including Namkeen Karahi, Shinwari Karahi, Namak Mandi Karahi (Namak Mandi is a famous eating place in Peshawar), and Peshawari Karahi. All have a somewhat similar flavor and employ akin cooking methods.
The specialty of this Karahi, like other Pashtun dishes, is that it uses animal fat instead of oil. Although health-conscious people can use oil as well. The main ingredients are lamb or mutton, oil or animal fat, tomatoes, ginger, salt, crushed black pepper, and fresh coriander. That is it! Peshawari Karahis are famous throughout Pakistan and are a prominent desi food type. People usually enjoy it with Afghani-style naan or regular naan bread and fresh salad along with yogurt chutney. You can also try our unique Peshawari Karahi (chicken or mutton) on your next visit to Usmania Fine Dining.
4. DUM PUKHT
Dum Puht is a cooking technique in which meat and vegetables cook over a low flame, generally in dough-sealed pots. Due to the long cooking time and low flame, the contents of the dish turned out to be very succulent and full of flavor. In Peshawar, locals cook mutton with various vegetables such as whole potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, salt, and whole spices. People enjoy it on its own or with naan bread and rice. We have covered Dum Pukht’s cooking style under the Balochi Cuisine section as well.
5. LAMB CHOPS
Peshawari Lamb Chops are a delightful treat for meat lovers. These kebabs have a marination of raw papaya, ginger and garlic paste, ground chili, fennel, and yogurt. The lamb chops rest for 8-10 hours or overnight so that they are tender and absorb all the spices thoroughly. They are cooked in a tandoor oven (clay oven) for a remarkable grilled taste. Yogurt chutney and naan bread make great accompaniments to the chops.
6. NAMKEEN TIKKA
Namkeen Tikka, Namkeen Boti, Shinwari Tikka, whatever you call it, it’s a classic tikka dish from the regions of KPK. Tikka is meat pieces with only salt marination. The cooking process involves searing them over charcoal after securing them on skewers. They are mostly presented with yogurt chutney and fresh garden salad. Namkeen Boti is a popular desi food among Pakistanis and is available everywhere. Every bite is heavenly and you must try Namkeen Tikka if you still haven’t.
What are you waiting for? We can hear your stomach grumbling after reading about all these spectacular desi food types from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. People love eating these dishes whether they are homemade or bought from outside. All these dishes make great Eid and celebratory foods. If you want to try the delightful Peshawari Karahi, the glorious Chapli Kebabs, or various Tikka Botis, then visit us at Usmania Fine Dining or place an order for delivery to enjoy with family and friends.
