
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
1. Sajji
Grilled mutton served on a bed of hot Saj (flatbread), a popular dish in Balochistan. Try it at Haji Kaka Sajji House.
- Traditional Cooking: Sajji is cooked traditionally over hot coals, maintaining its authentic flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: Only fresh mutton and locally grown herbs are used in this dish.
- Community Gathering Spot: Sajji is often enjoyed during family gatherings or community events.
2. Gosht Khuzdee
Slow-cooked mutton dish with a unique blend of spices and yogurt, served with rice. Visit Shami's Restaurant for an authentic experience.
- Long Cooking Time: Gosht Khuzdee is cooked slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Traditional Spices: A special blend of local spices gives this dish its unique taste.
- Hearty Meal: Gosht Khuzdee is a filling meal, perfect for those with big appetites.
3. Khushka
Thin flatbread topped with minced meat, beans, and spices. Available at various street food vendors across Quetta.
- Street Food Favorite: Khushka is a popular street food enjoyed by locals.
- Quick and Affordable: It's an affordable meal option that can be enjoyed on the go.
- Variety of Toppings: Khushka can be topped with various ingredients, such as boiled eggs or pickled vegetables.
4. Borani Baingan
Eggplant dish flavored with garlic, yogurt, and mint. Can be found at Sarfaranga Restaurant.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of eggplant and mint sets Borani Baingan apart from other dishes.
- Cooling Effect: Borani Baingan is a refreshing dish, perfect for the hot Quetta climate.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is suitable for vegetarians and vegans who prefer not to eat meat.
5. Quetta Chicken Handi
Chicken cooked with a rich tomato-based sauce and served in a traditional clay pot. Try it at Zaitoon Restaurant.
- Clay Pot Cooking: The dish is slow-cooked in a clay pot, enhancing the flavor.
- Spicy Flavor: Quetta Chicken Handi has a spicy kick that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Family-Style Serving: This dish is typically served family-style, allowing you to share with others.
6. Peshawari Chapli Kebab
Thin and long kebabs made from minced meat and spices. Can be found at Saddar Bazaar's food stalls.
- Street Food Experience: Peshawari Chapli Kebab is a popular street food, offering an authentic local experience.
- Flat and Long Shape: The unique flat and long shape of these kebabs makes them easy to eat.
- Spicy Marinade: A special spice mix is used in the marinade, giving these kebabs their distinct flavor.
7. Nihari Quetta
Slow-cooked beef shank dish served with bread in the morning. Visit Shahi Nihari for an authentic experience.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Nihari Quetta is a traditional breakfast choice enjoyed by locals.
- Long Cooking Time: This dish takes several hours to cook, ensuring a rich and flavorful broth.
- Spicy and Rich Flavor: Nihari Quetta has a spicy and rich flavor, perfect for warming up on a chilly morning.
8. Haleem
Wheat-based porridge made with meat, lentils, and spices. Available during the month of Ramadan at various restaurants.
- Ramadan Tradition: Haleem is a popular dish during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Hearty and Filling: This porridge is a filling meal, ideal for breaking the fast in the evening.
- Variety of Textures: The combination of tender meat, soft wheat, and crunchy nuts creates an interesting texture.
9. Quetta Biryani
Rice dish flavored with saffron, spices, and meat. Try it at Biryani Express for an authentic taste.
- Saffron Aroma: The fragrant saffron gives Quetta Biryani its distinctive aroma.
- Layered Presentation: This dish is often presented in layers, making it visually appealing.
- Versatile Ingredients: Quetta Biryani can be made with various meats, such as chicken, mutton, or fish.
10. Muttar Qorma
Pulses cooked in a rich gravy with aromatic spices. Can be found at various restaurants across Quetta.
- Vegetarian Option: Muttar Qorma is a vegetarian dish, perfect for those who prefer not to eat meat.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is a filling meal, suitable for vegetarians looking for a hearty option.
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The gravy of Muttar Qorma has a rich and creamy texture that's irresistible.
11. Lahmacun
Thin flatbread topped with minced meat, vegetables, and spices. Available at various street food vendors.
- Street Food Experience: Lahmacun is a popular street food, offering an authentic local experience.
- Quick and Easy to Eat: It's easy to eat this flatbread on the go, making it perfect for busy travelers.
- Variety of Toppings: Lahmacun can be topped with various ingredients, such as salad greens or chili sauce.
12. Quetta Samosa
Deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas. Available at street food vendors.
- Street Food Favorite: Quetta Samosas are a popular street food enjoyed by locals.
- Portable Snack: These samosas are easy to carry and make for a convenient snack on the go.
- Spicy and Crispy Flavor: The spiced potatoes and crispy pastry make these samosas a tasty treat.
13. Chicken Karahi
Chicken stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, and various spices. Try it at any local dhabas (roadside eateries) across Quetta.
- Versatile Ingredients: Chicken Karahi can be made with various vegetables, making it a flexible meal option.
- Spicy and Tangy Flavor: The combination of spices and tangy tomatoes gives Chicken Karahi its unique flavor.
- Family-Style Serving: This dish is typically served family-style, allowing you to share with others.
14. Quetta Paye (Porridge)
Wheat porridge flavored with milk, sugar, and cardamom. Available at various restaurants.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Quetta Paye is a traditional breakfast choice enjoyed by locals.
- Warm and Comforting: This porridge is a comforting meal, perfect for a chilly morning in Quetta.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients of Quetta Paye are simple and easy to find, making it accessible to all.
15. Quetta Paalau
Flatbread made from wheat flour, served with ghee (clarified butter) and green chili. Available at various street food vendors.
- Street Food Experience: Quetta Paalau is a popular street food, offering an authentic local experience.
- Quick and Affordable: It's an affordable meal option that can be enjoyed on the go.
- Spicy Flavor: The green chili adds a spicy kick to this simple flatbread.