Islamabad Islamabad, Pakistan Travel Guide
Historical trading paths, the legacy of the Mughal Empire, and various migrations deeply shaped Pakistan's culinary landscape.
Cuisine emphasizes aromatic spices, rich gravies, and slow-cooked meats, commonly prepared with conventional techniques passed down through generations.
Guests are highly valued and often served the finest food. Expect generous portions.
Common for some dishes (use right hand). Meals are often shared, with a number of dishes in the center.
Forks and spoons are common, but eating with flatbread is a normal. Arrive reasonably on time if invited.
Biryani is a fragrant basmati rice dish with spiced meat and potatoes. Pulao is a milder version with meat or vegetables.
Widely available at Pakistani restaurants.
Nihari is a rich, slow-cooked beef/lamb stew. Haleem is a hearty stew of wheat, barley, lentils, and shredded meat.
Seek out specialized eateries for the best taste.
Karahi is a wok-fried meat dish. Sajji is roasted lamb. Tikka and Kebabs are skewered, grilled meats.
Find at Karahi and BBQ restaurants city-wide.
Deep-fried, spiral-shaped sweet (Jalebi) or milk-solids balls (Gulab Jamun) soaked in sugar syrup.
Traditional, dense, creamy ice cream (Kulfi); a dessert drink with vermicelli, basil seeds, jelly, kulfi, and sweet syrup (Falooda).
Experience high-end dining with exquisite cuisine and sophisticated ambiance.
A balance of comfort, good service, and diverse culinary offerings.
Enjoy authentic, inexpensive local meals at bustling markets and food streets.
Meat-free options are easy (daal, vegetable curries). Vegan may be tough due to ghee/yogurt; explicitly ask for "no dairy" or "oil-cooked" (tel mein).
Many daal and vegetable curries are adaptable for vegan diets.
All meat is Halal. Kosher food is not widely available. Be explicit about allergies; a translation card is useful for severe cases.
Wheat is a main part; many curries/rice dishes are naturally gluten-free.
Local tour operators or culinary schools may offer traditional Pakistani cooking classes.
Private or guided food tours explore street food and local markets, providing culinary insights.
Occasional food festivals by cultural organizations or hotels. Check local listings during your visit.
Monal Restaurant offers high-altitude dining with panoramic sunset views of Islamabad.
Use Google Maps, Zomato, and TripAdvisor to find dining establishments that provide for particular dietary needs.
These platforms offer ratings and menu details.
Communicate directly with restaurant staff about dietary restrictions or allergies.
Carrying a translation card for severe allergies is highly recommended.
You find various international restaurants in F-6, F-7, F-10 Markazes, and within larger hotels.
Beyond dining, immerse yourself in Islamabad's food culture through cooking classes or food tours.
During summer, Pakistan is famous for its numerous varieties of delicious mangoes.
Especially popular and consumed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Fried bread served with semolina pudding and chickpea curry.
Meals are often a communal experience with dishes shared from the center. Embrace this tradition.
It fosters social connection.
When dining without cutlery, traditionally use your right hand for both serving and eating.
A sign of respect.
Find authentic pasta and pizza dishes at various well-regarded Italian restaurants throughout the city.
Sushi, sashimi, and other traditional Japanese dishes are available, especially in larger hotels and upscale areas.
Restaurants serving a mix of European and Western dishes cater to diverse palates, often found in the F-sectors.
Embrace the communal aspect of dining. Always taste local chai and street snacks.
