The Most Popular Pakistani Dish, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dish you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:45
In the heart of every culinary tradition lies a fierce debate over which dish stands supreme. For Pakistani cuisine, with its rich flavors and diverse regional recipes, pinning down the top dish is not just fun but also nearly a national pastime. Ranking these dishes serves not only to highlight popular tastes but also fosters a deeper appreciation of culinary craftsmanship.
By participating in this vote, food enthusiasts have the opportunity to not only share their personal preferences but also influence the culinary landscape. This dynamic list reflects current trends and regional favorites, making it a crucial tool for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Pakistani cuisine or just looking for the next delicious meal to try.
What Is the Most Popular Pakistani Dish?
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153votesThis rice dish is a staple in Pakistani cuisine and is loved for its fragrant spices and tender meat. It is often served with raita, a yogurt-based side dish.Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is made by cooking basmati rice with a blend of spices, meat (such as chicken, mutton, or fish), and occasionally vegetables. Biryani is known for its rich taste, tender meat, and fragrant rice, making it one of the most popular and beloved dishes in India.
- Region: Various regions of India, with variations in spices and style.
- Meat: Chicken, mutton, fish, or seafood.
- Vegetarian Options: Vegetable biryani or paneer biryani (cottage cheese).
- Rice: Basmati rice, known for its long-grain and fragrant characteristics.
- Spices: A blend of various spices, including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, and saffron.
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228votesThis spicy chicken stew is a popular Pakistani dish made with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. It is often eaten with naan bread.Chicken Karahi is a renowned Pakistani dish made with juicy pieces of chicken cooked in a thick and spicy tomato-based gravy. It is typically prepared in a traditional cooking vessel called a 'karahi', which is a large and rounded deep cooking pan. The dish has a rich aroma and is well-known for its vibrant flavors.
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chili peppers, and various spices.
- Cooking Method: It is usually cooked on high heat in a karahi or a similar pan, giving it a unique smoky flavor.
- Spice Level: Can be enjoyed mild or spicy, depending on personal preference.
- Flavor Profile: Bold, tangy, and slightly spicy.
- Serving Style: Chicken Karahi is often served family-style, accompanied by naan bread or rice.
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327votesThis slow-cooked meat stew is a popular breakfast dish in Pakistan. It is made with beef or lamb and is flavored with a rich blend of spices.Nihari is a popular Pakistani dish known for its rich and flavorsome slow-cooked meat stew. It is traditionally made with beef or lamb shank, simmered for hours in a flavorful gravy made from a blend of aromatic spices.
- Origin: Pakistan, specifically associated with Delhi cuisine
- Ingredients: Beef or lamb shank, ghee, ginger, garlic, chili powder, turmeric, coriander, fennel, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, wheat flour, and water
- Cooking Method: Slow-cooked or simmered on low heat for several hours
- Texture: Thick and velvety with tender, falling-off-the-bone meat
- Color: Deep brown or reddish-brown
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411votesThis hearty stew is made with a variety of lentils, wheat, and meat. It is often eaten during Ramadan and is a favorite among Pakistani Muslims.Haleem is a popular Pakistani dish that is known for its rich and hearty flavors. It is a slow-cooked stew made from a combination of lentils, meat (usually beef or mutton), wheat, and various spices. The dish has a thick and porridge-like consistency and is often garnished with fried onions, ginger, coriander, and lemon juice.
- National Dish of Pakistan:: Haleem is considered one of the national dishes of Pakistan.
- Key Ingredients:: Lentils, meat (usually beef or mutton), wheat, and a blend of spices.
- Cooking Method:: Haleem is slow-cooked for several hours to achieve its thick and smooth consistency.
- Spice Blend:: The spices used in Haleem typically include ginger, garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Texture:: Haleem has a thick and creamy texture with tender, shredded meat and mashed lentils.
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511votes
Miansari66 · Public domainThese spicy beef patties are a popular street food in Pakistan. They are made with minced beef, spices, and herbs and are often served with naan bread.Chapli Kebab is a renowned Pakistani dish that originated from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is a flavorful and mildly spicy kebab made with minced meat, typically beef or lamb. The kebabs are shaped into round patties that are charred to perfection on a hot grill or tawa (flat griddle). The name 'chapli' refers to the flat shape of the kebab, resembling a slipper (chapal) in Pashto.- Primary ingredient: Minced meat (beef or lamb)
- Spices: Cumin, coriander, red chili powder, garlic, ginger, and others
- Additional ingredients: Onions, tomatoes, green chilies, cilantro (coriander leaves), and eggs
- Binding agent: Cornmeal (maize flour) or wheat flour
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper
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66votesThis vegetarian dish is made with potatoes and cauliflower and is flavored with cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It is a favorite among Pakistani vegetarians.Aloo Gobi is a popular Indian vegetarian dish made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It is a dry dish that is typically stir-fried with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Aloo Gobi traces its origins to the Indian subcontinent and is widely enjoyed for its delicious flavors and simplicity.
- Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Cauliflower
- Preparation Method: Stir-fried
- Cuisine: Indian
- Dish Type: Vegetarian
- Flavor Profile: Savory, Spicy
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70votesThis dish is made with spinach and is often served with naan bread. It is a healthy and flavorful vegetarian option.Saag is a popular curry dish in Britain, which originated from the Indian subcontinent. It specifically refers to a spinach-based curry that is typically made with various spices and ingredients. The dish has a rich and flavorful taste, with a combination of earthy and savory flavors from the spinach and spices.
- Main Ingredient: Spinach
- Spices: Typically includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili
- Meat or Vegetarian: Can be prepared with a variety of meats (such as lamb, chicken, or fish) or as a vegetarian/vegan dish
- Texture: Usually has a thick and smooth consistency
- Serving Method: Often served with rice, naan bread, or roti
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88votesThis simple dish of lentils and rice is a staple in Pakistani cuisine. It is a popular comfort food and is often served with pickles and yogurt.Daal Chawal is a popular Pakistani dish consisting of lentils (daal) cooked with various spices and served with steamed rice (chawal). It is a simple yet hearty dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
- Region: Punjab, Pakistan
- Main Ingredients: Lentils, rice, spices
- Preparation Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
- Cooking Method: Boiling, simmering, and tempering
- Flavor Profile: Rich, earthy, and aromatic
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96votesThis rich and creamy meat stew is a favorite among Pakistani food lovers. It is made with a variety of meats and is flavored with a blend of spices and yogurt.Korma is a popular curry dish that originated in South Asia and is widely enjoyed in Indian cuisine. It is typically a mild and creamy curry, known for its rich flavors and smooth texture. The dish consists of meat or vegetables cooked in a flavorful sauce made with a combination of yogurt, cream, and various spices. Korma is often garnished with nuts and fresh herbs, adding an additional layer of texture and freshness to the dish.
- Flavor: Mild and creamy
- Main Ingredients: Yogurt, cream, meat or vegetables
- Spices: Commonly includes coriander, cumin, turmeric, cardamom, and garam masala
- Garnish: Often garnished with nuts and fresh herbs
- Texture: Smooth and creamy
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108votesThese savory pastries are a popular snack in Pakistan. They are filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, and are often served with chutney.Samosas are a popular and delicious Indian dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. They are deep-fried pastries with a crispy outer crust and a savory filling. The filling typically consists of a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and sometimes lentils or minced meat. Samosas are often triangular or cone-shaped and are enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
- Filling: Spiced potatoes, peas, onions
- Optional ingredients: Lentils or minced meat
- Shape: Triangular or cone-shaped
- Crust: Crispy and deep-fried
- Usage: Snack or appetizer
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Ranking factors for popular dish
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Flavor profileThe unique combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients that make the dish distinct and appetizing.
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Regional popularityThe dish's prominence in various regions of Pakistan and its significance within local culinary culture.
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Cultural significanceThe historical and cultural relevance of the dish within Pakistani cuisine and its importance in celebrations, festivals, or family gatherings.
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VersatilityThe ability to adapt and modify the dish to accommodate diverse tastes, preferences, or dietary restrictions.
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Availability of ingredientsThe ease and accessibility of the required ingredients for making the dish in both local and international markets.
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Ease of preparationThe level of complexity or skill required to prepare the dish at home or in a restaurant setting.
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Visual appealThe dish's presentation and overall attractiveness, which can impact its popularity.
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Popularity among tourists and international audiencesThe dish's widespread appeal and recognition outside of Pakistan, which can contribute to its overall popularity.
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Online presenceThe frequency with which the dish is discussed, shared, or featured on social media platforms, blogs, and recipe websites.
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Influence on other cuisinesThe dish's impact on global culinary trends, fusion dishes, or adaptations, which can indicate its popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Pakistani dish. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dish is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1656 views
- 157 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dish once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dish is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular pakistani dish
Pakistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and one of the most prominent aspects of this heritage is its cuisine. Pakistani cuisine is a fusion of various regional and ethnic cuisines, with influences from the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The country's diverse geography and climate have also contributed to the variety of dishes found in Pakistani cuisine.
When it comes to the most popular Pakistani dish, there are several contenders. One of the most beloved dishes is biryani, a fragrant rice dish that is often served with meat or vegetables. Another popular dish is nihari, a slow-cooked stew made with beef or lamb that is typically served with naan bread. Other popular dishes include kebabs, karahi, and haleem.
Despite the variety of dishes, Pakistani cuisine is characterized by its use of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Many dishes are also accompanied by chutneys or raitas, which provide a cooling contrast to the hot and spicy flavors.
Overall, Pakistani cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful culinary tradition that continues to gain popularity around the world. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries or savory stews, there is sure to be a Pakistani dish that will satisfy your taste buds.
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