Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

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

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan

1. Biryani at Roshan Kabab House

Delicious Hyderabadi Biryani made with aromatic basmati rice and succulent meat, served in a traditional earthen pot. A must-try for rice lovers.
  • Authenticity: Serves authentic Hyderabadi Biryani that's hard to find elsewhere.
  • Taste: Offers a unique blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Experience: Dining in a traditional Pakistani restaurant, steeped in rich local culture and hospitality.

2. Seekh Kebabs at Peshawari Restaurant

Juicy and tender Seekh Kebabs, marinated in special spices and grilled to perfection. A great option for meat lovers.
  • Quality of Meat: Uses only premium quality ground meat.
  • Flavor Profile: Infused with a unique blend of spices and herbs for an unforgettable taste.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional Pakistani dish, offering a glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage.

3. Sajji at Tikka Corner

Whole spice-marinated lamb, slow-cooked over charcoal on a traditional clay oven. A flavorful and filling dish for carnivores.
  • Slow Cooking: Cooks the lamb slowly, ensuring it's tender and juicy.
  • Authenticity: Prepares Sajji using traditional cooking methods.
  • Presentation: Serves the dish on a bed of aromatic rice, making it a visual feast as well.

4. Chicken Chapli Kebab at Chowk Jameel

Flat and succulent chicken patties seasoned with aromatic spices. A popular street food in Rawalpindi.
  • Spice Level: Can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional Pakistani dish, reflecting the region's culinary heritage.
  • Portion Size: Generous portion sizes, satisfying even the heartiest of appetites.

5. Nihari at Bhoja Halal Meat Restaurant

Slow-cooked beef shanks and bone marrow stew in a flavorful spiced gravy. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
  • Authenticity: Prepares Nihari using traditional recipes and cooking techniques.
  • Slow Cooking: Cooks the beef slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
  • Taste: Offers a rich and satisfying taste that'll warm you up on a chilly morning.

6. Haleem at Karachi Darbar

A thick wheat-based porridge slow-cooked with meat and lentils in a flavorful broth. A hearty dish for any time of the day.
  • Slow Cooking: Cooks Haleem slowly, ensuring it's tender and flavorful.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional Pakistani dish, popular during the Islamic month of Muharram.
  • Taste: Offers a unique blend of flavors that'll leave you wanting more.

7. Parathas at Parathe Wali Gali

Flaky and buttery flatbreads cooked to order. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
  • Freshness: Cooks the Parathas fresh to order.
  • Variety: Offers a wide variety of fillings, from savory to sweet.
  • Taste: Offers a delicious and satisfying taste, perfect for any meal.

8. Chicken Tikka at Tikka Inn

Tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection. A must-try for anyone visiting Rawalpindi.
  • Quality of Meat: Uses only premium quality chicken.
  • Spice Level: Can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Presentation: Serves the dish beautifully, making it an Instagram-worthy moment.

9. Khurchan at Khao Galli

A traditional Punjabi breakfast made from lentils and spices. A hearty and filling dish to start your day.
  • Taste: Offers a unique blend of flavors, perfect for early morning cravings.
  • Nutritional Value: Packed with proteins and fibers, making it a healthy choice for breakfast.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional Punjabi dish, reflecting the region's culinary heritage.

10. Paye at Tikka Inn

Slow-cooked beef feet in a flavorful broth. A unique and delicious dish for adventurous eaters.
  • Authenticity: Prepares Paye using traditional recipes and cooking techniques.
  • Slow Cooking: Cooks the beef feet slowly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
  • Taste: Offers an unusual yet delightful taste experience.

11. Gol Gappay at Food Street

Crispy semolina shells filled with a mixture of spiced water, tamarind chutney, chickpeas, and potato. A refreshing and tasty snack.
  • Variety: Offers different varieties of Gol Gappay, each with its unique flavor.
  • Refreshing: Provides a refreshing burst of flavors.
  • Portion Size: Generous portion sizes, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

12. Shahi Tukray at Sindh Restaurant

Deep-fried bread slices soaked in a rich milk and sugar syrup, garnished with dry fruits. A sweet dish to end your meal.
  • Sweetness: Offers the perfect balance of sweetness.
  • Texture: Combines the crispy exterior with a soft and spongy interior.
  • Garnish: Garnished with dry fruits, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

13. Chicken Karahi at Karachi Darbar

Tender chicken pieces cooked in a spicy tomato-based gravy. A flavorful and filling dish for any meal.
  • Spice Level: Can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Taste: Offers a unique and delicious taste experience.
  • Portion Size: Generous portion sizes, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

14. Gosht Kababs at Peshawari Restaurant

Tender ground mutton kababs marinated in special spices and grilled to perfection. A must-try for meat lovers.
  • Quality of Meat: Uses only premium quality mutton.
  • Flavor Profile: Infused with a unique blend of spices and herbs for an unforgettable taste.
  • Cultural Significance: A traditional Pakistani dish, offering a glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage.

15. Fish Kebabs at Fish Harbour

Tender and juicy fish kebabs marinated in special spices and grilled to perfection. A great option for seafood lovers.
  • Quality of Seafood: Uses only premium quality, fresh fish.
  • Flavor Profile: Infused with a unique blend of spices and herbs for an unforgettable taste.
  • Experience: Dining by the sea, enjoying the fresh breeze and scenic views.