Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Peshawar, Pakistan, Peshawar, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

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.