
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
1. Bhuna Gosht (Spiced Mutton)
Tender mutton slow-cooked in a rich blend of spices, served with rice or naan. A must-try for meat lovers.
- Unique Spice Blend: The special spice mix gives Bhuna Gosht a flavor that's distinctly Peshawari.
- Slow-Cooked: The long, slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the spices perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Style: Bhuna Gosht can be enjoyed with rice or naan, making it a great option for any meal of the day.
2. Chapli Kabab (Spiced Flat Meat Patties)
Flavorful flat meat patties made from a mixture of minced meat, spices, and herbs. Served with a side of salad.
- Traditional Recipe: Chapli Kabab is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Peshawar for generations.
- Refreshing Side Salad: The tangy side salad provides the perfect contrast to the rich, spiced Chapli Kabab.
- Street Food Favorite: You can find Chapli Kabab at many street food carts and restaurants across Peshawar.
3. Khaploo (Hand-Rolled Noodles)
Delicate hand-rolled noodles served in a flavorful broth with vegetables and meat. A hearty, comforting dish.
- Traditional Hand-Rolling: Khaploo noodles are made by hand, giving them a unique texture and thickness.
- Versatile Broth: The broth can be customized to your liking with various vegetables and meats.
- Comfort Food: Khaploo is a popular comfort food in Peshawar, especially during the colder months.
4. Paye (Beef Feet Soup)
Tender beef feet slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with spices and herbs. A unique and delicious local specialty.
- Culinary Adventure: Paye is a culinary adventure for those who want to try something truly unique to Peshawar.
- Slow-Cooked Tenderness: The beef feet become incredibly tender during the long, slow cooking process.
- Spice Infused Broth: The spice-infused broth is rich and flavorful, making Paye a memorable dish.
5. Peshawari Chapli Roti (Stuffed Flatbread)
A large, fluffy flatbread filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices. A popular street food.
- Traditional Filling: The filling for Peshawari Chapli Roti is a traditional blend of ingredients.
- Fluffy and Thin: The flatbread is both fluffy and thin, creating the perfect wrap for the savory filling.
- Street Food Classic: Peshawari Chapli Roti can be found at many street food carts and is a classic dish in Peshawar.
6. Mast Qorma (Spiced Pumpkin Curry)
Sweet, aromatic pumpkin curry made with fragrant spices and yogurt. Served with rice or naan.
- Fragrant Spices: The blend of fragrant spices gives Mast Qorma its unique aroma and flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: The sweetness of the pumpkin pairs beautifully with the savory spices, creating a harmonious dish.
- Versatile Serving Style: Mast Qorma can be enjoyed with rice or naan, making it a great option for any meal of the day.
7. Nihari (Slow-Cooked Meat Stew)
Tender, slow-cooked beef or mutton served in a flavorful broth with ginger and spices. Ideal for breakfast.
- Slow-Cooked Tenderness: The long, slow cooking process ensures the meat becomes incredibly tender in Nihari.
- Traditional Breakfast Dish: Nihari is a traditional breakfast dish in Peshawar and other parts of Pakistan.
- Rich Broth: The rich, flavorful broth of Nihari is perfect for soaking up with fresh, warm naan.
8. Peshawari Seekh Kebab (Spiced Minced Meat Skewers)
Juicy minced meat skewers flavored with a blend of aromatic spices. A popular street food.
- Traditional Spice Blend: The traditional spice blend gives Peshawari Seekh Kebab a unique flavor.
- Juicy and Tender: The juicy, tender skewers are cooked to perfection over an open flame.
- Street Food Classic: Peshawari Seekh Kebab can be found at many street food carts and is a classic dish in Peshawar.
9. Sajji (Whole Spit-Roasted Lamb)
Whole lamb spit-roasted over hot coals. Served with a side of salad and flatbread.
- Slow-Cooked Perfection: The slow, even cooking process ensures the lamb is cooked to perfection.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Sajji is cooked using a traditional spit-roasting method that has been used in Peshawar for centuries.
- Succulent and Juicy: The succulent, juicy lamb from Sajji is a true culinary delight.
10. Tikka Gosht (Spiced Grilled Meat)
Marinated cubes of meat grilled to perfection over hot coals. Served with a side of salad and flatbread.
- Flavorful Marinade: The flavorful marinade ensures the meat is packed with bold, savory flavors.
- Perfectly Grilled: The cubes of meat are grilled to perfection, sealing in the juices and creating a delicious char.
- Versatile Serving Style: Tikka Gosht can be enjoyed with a side of salad and flatbread, making it a great option for any meal of the day.
11. Peshawari Biryani (Spiced Rice Dish)
Flavorful rice dish made with layers of aromatic basmati rice, spices, and meat. A rich, delicious treat.
- Layered Preparation: The layering process gives Peshawari Biryani its unique texture and flavor.
- Rich and Delicious: Peshawari Biryani is a rich, delicious dish that's perfect for special occasions or as a indulgent treat.
- Versatile Serving Style: Peshawari Biryani can be enjoyed as a one-dish meal or served with a side of salad and flatbread.
12. Samosa Chaat (Spiced Fritters)
Crispy fritters filled with spiced potatoes and peas, served with a tangy yogurt sauce. A popular street snack.
- Traditional Filling: The traditional filling for Samosa Chaat is a blend of spiced potatoes and peas.
- Crispy and Crunchy: The crispy, crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, flavorful interior.
- Street Food Classic: Samosa Chaat can be found at many street food carts and is a classic dish in Peshawar.
13. Chicken Qeema (Minced Chicken Dish)
Tender minced chicken cooked with spices, tomatoes, and green peas. Served with rice or naan.
- Tender Minced Chicken: The tender, juicy minced chicken is cooked to perfection in the spiced dish.
- Versatile Serving Style: Chicken Qeema can be enjoyed with rice or naan, making it a great option for any meal of the day.
- Spice Infused Flavor: The rich, spice-infused flavor of Chicken Qeema is a delight for spice lovers.
14. Chicken Karahi (Spiced Chicken Stir Fry)
Tender chicken pieces stir-fried with tomatoes, green peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. Served with rice or naan.
- Aromatic Spice Blend: The aromatic spice blend gives Chicken Karahi its unique flavor.
- Tender and Juicy: The tender, juicy chicken pieces are cooked to perfection in the stir fry.
- Versatile Serving Style: Chicken Karahi can be enjoyed with rice or naan, making it a great option for any meal of the day.
15. Tanduri Roti (Clay Oven Baked Flatbread)
Soft, fluffy flatbread baked in a traditional clay oven. Served with a variety of dishes.
- Traditional Cooking Method: Tanduri Roti is cooked using a traditional clay oven, giving it a unique flavor and texture.
- Soft and Fluffy: The soft, fluffy flatbread pairs perfectly with a variety of spiced dishes.
- Versatile Serving Style: Tanduri Roti can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, making it a staple in Peshawari cuisine.