Every country has unique and distinctive street foods that are a characteristic part of that country. People buy these cuisines not only because they are flavorful but also because they are available at cheap rates and conveniently available.
Similarly, Pakistan is also famous for its vast assortment of exquisite street foods. The list of Pakistani street foods is too long, however, certain foods fall in the category of locals’ favorites. Read on below to discover some of Pakistan’s amazing street foods that the locals are crazy for!
1. HALWA-PURI
Let’s start with breakfast and that too a Pakistani’s favorite breakfast; Halwa-Puri. It consists of fried flatbread made of flour that is flaky yet soft, chickpea curry or masala with chickpeas so soft that they melt like butter in your mouth, potato curry known as aalo bhujiya and semolina (suji) halwa made with lots of ghee and sugar.
Almost every market, small or big, consists of at least one shop that sells steaming hot halwa-puris and some famous places have long queues on weekends and the stock is finished before noon. Whether it’s homemade or market-bought, this delicious breakfast is loved by everybody.
2. DAHI BARAY
In Pakistan, one can find Dahi Baray being sold by roadside carts, small eateries selling snacks, and even renowned cafés and restaurants because Pakistanis love Dahi Baray. A bara is a small, fried fritter made of a gram floor or a blended mixture of moong and mash lentils.
The baras are soaked in yogurt along with diced potatoes, boiled chickpeas, crispy poppadum, spices, chopped onion, tomatoes, and green chilies. You can add or subtract sweet, sour, and mint chutneys. From the first bite to the last, you can feel an exciting fusion of flavors partying inside your mouth that will keep you going back for more.
3. SAMOSAS AND PAKORAS
People worldwide are familiar with these two delicacies, pakoras, and samosas. A samosa is a triangular-shaped pocket filled with potato masala or any filling of one’s choice. A pakora is a fritter made using gram flour mixed with different vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and spinach.
These two snacks are much loved as tea-time snacks. Samosas and pakoras are also commonly sold at roadside shops and carts.
4. BUN KEBAB
Bun kebab is also known as anday wala burger (burger with pan omelet) and people in Pakistan love this particular snack because it’s minimally priced and yet very fulfilling.
A typical bun kebab consists of a bun that is filled with a shami kebab patty, omelet, thinly sliced vegetables, and chutneys.
Karachi is specifically known for its delectable bun kebabs, however, they are available throughout Pakistan from roadside stalls and side street vendors.
5. FRIED FISH
As winter approaches, many restaurants are seen to set up small stalls and big cauldrons of hot oil, with piles of marinated fish waiting to be fried. Such shops are usually crowded with customers, waiting for their turn or indulging in the freshly fried spicy fish.
To cut down the high-calorie content, many vendors provide customers with grilled and baked fish as well. The taste that these eateries provide is difficult to copy if not impossible.
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6. GOLA GANDA
Who does not like an icy treat on hot, sunny afternoons? The intense heat in Pakistan during summer times has made Pakistanis a fan of gola ganda, shaved ice on a stick drenched in various flavored syrups. There are many variations where one can add/subtract condensed milk, canned fruits, dry fruits, and ice cream. Elders, as well as young ones, enjoy this sweet refreshment equally.
7. KULFI
It is another frozen dessert that Pakistanis cannot get enough of. Kulfi is a type of frozen dessert made by slowly cooking milk until it caramelizes and turns into a thick, creamy mixture.
The mixture is poured into molds, common ones being cone-shaped and small matkas (clay pot). Although kulfis are available on small roadside carts, it is still a delightful treat.
CONCLUSION
Thanks to globalization, famous Pakistani street foods are available worldwide. If you are looking for authentic Pakistani food near you in a Devon Street restaurant, in Chicago, or search of Pakistani food catering for your events, Usmania Fine Dining invites you to try its Pakistani specialties and taste for an excellent experience.
