Pakistani Cuisine: Ingrained in An Enriched Culture and Custom
Pakistani cuisine is defined by the region's history, including being a part of colonial India and subsequently separating from it, being on the ancient Silk Route, and its religious identity. Because Islamic precepts prohibit pork, the preferred animal proteins are lamb, mutton, chicken, beef, and fish.
Indian and Mughal influences have been the most persistent and obvious of the many impacts on its history and culture. In many aspects, Pakistani cuisine is identical to Indian cuisine or a hybrid of the two areas' cuisines, whether in terms of spices or dishes (down to the name of the meal).
If you want to know the best Pakistani food in Vancouver, here is a list of some of its popular dishes:
Shabdeg
Mutton, beets, and turnips are cooked overnight in a copper cauldron to produce a thick stew.
Aloo Ghosht
It is a spicy tomato-based stew with ginger, garlic, and cinnamon that translates to "potatoes and meat." Aloo (potatoes) and Ghosht (mutton or lamb) are cooked together. It's typically eaten with rice or paratha while still hot.
Biryani
Biryani is a well-known dish commonly served in a Pakistani restaurant in Vancouver. This popular dish is a slice of meat, vegetable, and rice meal traditionally offered at weddings and other special events. Unlike pulao, the components of Biryani are cooked separately until they are semi-done.
After par-boiling the rice, steaming the veggies, and sautéing the meat, the components are piled in a saucepan and steamed until thoroughly done. Roasted nuts (cashews, slivers of almonds), dried fruits (raisins, apricots, etc.) and fried onions are sprinkled on top.
Chai
Because alcohol is prohibited in Islam, chai (black tea leaves cooked in milk with nutmeg and sugar) is a popular beverage. During the summer, sugarcane juice, "nimbu pani" (fresh lime juice), and lassi are popular cold drinks (sweet or savoury yogurt drinks).
Chapli Kabab/Peshawari Kebab
This kebab comprises ground beef and spices and is traditional to the Peshawar region. It's a prevalent street food and supper side dish with garnishes like chopped tomatoes, fresh parsley, and onions.
Desserts
Popular desserts include seviyan, falooda, kheer (rice pudding), and gulab jamun (fried dough in syrup).
Haleem
Haleem is a beef and lentil stew seasoned with coriander, fresh ginger, and chilli peppers and topped with lemon and fried onions.
Nihari
Nahar is the Arabic word for the day. After morning prayers, this spicy stew is produced by slow-braising lamb or beef overnight and served as a hearty brunch dish. Bone-in meat cuts are utilized with ginger, pepper, coriander powder, garam masala (an Indian spice mix), and lemon. The slow braising produces tender, fall-off-the-bone beef and a spicy, extremely aromatic stew.
Pulao
This dish is frequently the star of the show at celebrations. It's a one-pot dish made with spiced rice, vegetables like carrots and peas, and animal protein like mutton or chicken served hot with raitha on the side (yogurt sauce).
Sai Bhaji
Also referred to as "green veggies," Sai Bhaji is a vegan stew made with various seasonal greens like spinach, gongura, and fenugreek leaves in a spiced lentil soup from Sindh. It's a filling and nourishing main dish served over rice or roti.
Conclusion
Pakistani cuisine is defined by the region's history and religious identity. Pakistani cuisine is full of rich flavors, spices, and enticing fragrances to provide exciting and unforgettable eating experiences. Whether you're a Pakistani food enthusiast or want to try something new, you should visit Pakistani restaurants in Vancouver, Canada, to know about this cuisine's history, customs, and popular dishes.
Step into the Karakoram, a fine-dining traditional Pakistani restaurant in Vancouver, and savor the prized flavors and spices that have been created for more than a decade. At the Karakoram, you'll find flavors reminiscent of Western, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, and Indian cuisines. Experience the flavor of Pakistani cuisine with us today.