Yo, food lovers! I just got back from Karachi for our Muharram congregation. After the congregation I had a few days to spare before my flight back so we decided to explore the vibrant culture and history but mainly we were most excited for the Karachi food and let me tell you, the food scene is ON FIRE!!
I’m talking mouth-watering, tummy-rumbling goodness. From spicy street foods to rich, traditional dishes, to fine dining steaks, the city offers a feast for every palate, a melting pot of flavours where each dish definitely tells a story of its own.
So, I’m spilling the tea on the top 12 local things you have to try when you’re there.
1. Bun Kabab: The OG Karachi Snack
Okay, so bun kabab is like Karachi’s version of a perfect cure for your small on the go cravings. It’s this simple but insanely delicious combo of shallow fried, spiced meat or lentil patty in a soft bun.
History & Origin:
It is said that the first Bun Kabab was found in a small on the wheel hand cart outside the Khayam Cinema readily available to moviegooers and schoolgoers during the 50s and after that it started picking up and now available in every nook and crany of Karachi Streets.
Imagine this: soft, fluffy bread stuffed with juicy, soft lentil patty or shredded meat and lentil patty and sometimes place between a fried egg with freshly cut onions and simple chutneys and sauces. That’s bun kabab for you, and it’s like Karachi’s version of a perfect snack. Trust me, you’ll be hooked.
Best Places to Eat:
- Hanifia Bun Kabab: Famous for its unique chutneys and spicy patties.
- Ghaffar Kabab House: Known for its mouth-watering beef and chicken bun kababs.
You also gotta try it at Haji Nawaz or Al-Habib in Saddar. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Local Favourites:
- Flamingo Bun Kabab: A local favourite for its juicy patties and soft buns.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 100-150 per bun kabab.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Minced meat,lentils, spices, egg, bun, chutney, onions.
- Cooking: The patty is made from minced meat mixed with spices or simple lentils cooked in thick gravy until it can be shaped in to a patty and a fried egg. It’s shallow-fried and served in a bun with chutney and onions.
2. Pakola Milk Soda: A Refreshing Kick
Need a break from the crazy Karachi heat? Grab a Pakola. It’s this super refreshing soda that’s like a taste of the city. You’ll find it everywhere!!
Pakola is basically Karachi’s answer to soda in ice cream flavour. It’s got this unique, kinda sweet and tangy flavour with a vibrant green colour that’s perfect for cooling down. You can find it everywhere, but it’s extra refreshing on a hot Karachi day.
History & Origin: Pakola, launched in 1950, is Pakistan’s iconic green drink. The milk soda variant combines the fizzy delight of soda with the creamy texture of milk.
Karachiites have taken the pakola on the next level, where you not only get the original pakola soda but it is also mixed in milk and sometimes yoghurt to make unique dairy ice cream flavour fizzy drinks.
Best Places to Drink:
- Quetta Alamgir Hotel: A popular spot for enjoying Pakola milk soda with snacks.
- Karachi Dairy and Milkshake : A must go to spot for their special milk soda which is a combination of milk and Pakola soda.
Local Favourites:
- Street Vendors: Widely available with local street food.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 50-70 per bottle.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, milk, artificial flavours.
- Cooking: Simply mixed and served chilled.
3. Malai Wali Lassi: Creamy Dream
If you’re into creamy, dreamy drinks, malai wali lassi is your jam. It’s like a thick, super rich yogurt drink, and it’s the ultimate refresher. Tons of local dairy shops have it, so you won’t have trouble finding it.
This creamy, dreamy lassi is pure indulgence. It’s like a hug in a glass, especially on a hot day. You gotta try it.
History & Origin: Lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, has been a staple in South Asian cuisine for centuries. Malai wali lassi is a rich, creamy variant topped with clotted cream.
Best Places to Drink:
- Baloch Ice Cream: Famous for its thick and creamy malai lassi.
- Burns Road: Numerous stalls offer delicious lassi.
Local Favourites:
- Dhabbas: Roadside eateries serve fresh, thick lassi.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 60-100 per glass.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Yogurt, milk, sugar, malai (clotted cream).
- Cooking: Yogurt is blended with milk and sugar, topped with a generous layer of malai.
4. Tandoor Time: Barbeque Bliss
Karachi’s tandoor game is strong. We’re talking juicy chicken, tender beef, and perfectly cooked veggies. BBQ Tonight and Laal Qilla are solid choices, but there are tons of other spots to explore.
Karachi’s tandoori scene is fire! From juicy chicken to perfectly cooked veggies, everything’s got that smoky, charred flavor.
History & Origin: Tandoor cooking, involving a cylindrical clay oven, has been part of South Asian cuisine for centuries. The intense heat from the tandoor gives the food a unique smoky flavour.
Best Places to Eat:
- BBQ Tonight: Renowned for its extensive barbeque menu.
- Al Haaj Bundoo Khan: Offers a variety of tandoori items.
Local Favourites:
- Zameer Ansari: A local favourite for its succulent kebabs.
- Meerath Kabab House: Known for its succulent tandoori meats.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 300-800 per item.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Meat, spices, yogurt, garlic, ginger.
- Cooking: Meat is marinated in spices and yogurt, then cooked in a tandoor.
5. Chicken/ Mutton Karahi: Spicy Goodness
Chicken karahi is a Karachi staple. It’s this spicy, flavorful chicken/mutton/beef dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends. Karachi Karahi is a popular spot, but there are countless other places serving up this deliciousness.
If you like it hot, you’ll love chicken karahi. It’s this spicy, saucy dish that’s packed with flavor. Perfect with some naan. Though nowadays you will find many other versions of karahi which you can try, mainly white karahi made without tomatoes just fresh cream, yoghurt and spices, peshawari karahi which is the less spicy version of the karahi, green afghani karahi which is made with a blend of green herbs and spices and other more varieties which you can learn about it in my future blogs. Inshallah!
History & Origin: Chicken Karahi is a spicy, aromatic curry cooked in a wok-like pan called a “karahi.” It’s a signature dish of Pakistani cuisine. Originated from the North West frontier province.
Best Places to Eat:
- Kundun Broast & Karahi: A local favourite for its flavourful karahi.
- Kolachi Restaurant: Offers a fantastic seaside dining experience.
- Butt Karahi: Known for its flavorful and tender chicken karahi.
Local Favourites:
- Karachi Broast: Popular among locals for its unique take on chicken karahi.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 600-1000 per dish.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Chicken, tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, ginger, spices.
- Cooking: Chicken is cooked in a karahi with tomatoes and spices, garnished with green chilies and coriander.
6. Karachi Haleem: Comfort in a Bowl
Haleem and me has always had this love hate relationship! A good bowl of Haleem is like a warm hug but sometimes I just don’t like it at all ( if that make sense?). It’s this thick, hearty stew made with meat, lentils, and wheat. A very healthy dish with lot’s of fibre and protein. It’s especially popular during Muharram, but you can find it year-round in famous spots in Karachi.
Haleem is basically Karachi’s version of comfort soul food.
History & Origin: Haleem, a slow-cooked stew of meat, lentils, and wheat, has its roots in the Middle East. It’s a popular dish during Muharram and Ramadan.
Best Places to Eat:
- Mazedar Haleem: Famous for its rich, thick haleem.
- Javed Nihari: Known for both haleem and nihari.
Local Favourites:
- Delhi Darbar: A favourite spot for haleem lovers.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 150-200 per plate.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Meat, lentils, wheat, spices, onions, ghee.
- Cooking: Ingredients are slow-cooked for several hours until they blend into a smooth, thick consistency.
7. Karachi's Nihari: Breakfast of Champions
Nihari is a must-try breakfast in Karachi. It’s a rich, meaty stew that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Javed Nihari and Gawalmandi are known for their amazing versions.
Karachi nihari is like a hug for your soul in the morning. It’s a rich, meaty stew that’ll fuel you for the day.The bonus is when you have it with roghani naan / roti with lots of Nalli (bone marrow) on top of Nihari with slices of ginger, fresh mint leaves, a squeeze of lime and it’s just something which will make you crave for more.
History & Origin: Nihari is a slow-cooked stew of beef or mutton, traditionally eaten as a breakfast dish. It originated in the Mughal kitchens of Delhi.
Best Places to Eat:
- Javed Nihari: Iconic for its flavourful nihari.
- Sabri Nihari: Another top spot for authentic nihari.
- Zahid Nihari: a famous nihari spot in saddar.
Local Favourites:
- Malik Nihari: Loved by locals for its spicy kick.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 200-300 per plate.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Beef, spices, wheat flour, ghee, ginger.
- Cooking: Beef is slow-cooked with spices and wheat flour to create a thick, spicy stew.
8. Dilpasand Falooda: Sweet Tooth Heaven
After all this spiciness, are you Craving something sweet? Dilpasand falooda is your go-to. It’s a crazy delicious mix of ice cream, vermicelli noodles, syrup, and other goodies. So good, you’ll be dreaming about it. This dessert is a total showstopper. Trust me, you’ll want seconds.
History & Origin: Falooda is a cold dessert with Persian roots. Karachi’s special dilpasand falooda is a rich mix of vermicelli, basil seeds, and rose syrup.
Best Places to Eat:
- Dilpasand Sweets: The original creator of this special falooda.
- Baloch Ice Cream: Known for its creamy falooda.
- Iceberg Ice cream: Another favourite spot of really good falooda.
Local Favourites:
- Local Sweet Shops: Various sweet shops offer their own versions.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 150-200 per serving.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Vermicelli, basil seeds, milk, rose syrup, ice cream.
- Cooking: Ingredients are layered and served chilled with a scoop of ice cream.
9. Chapli Kabab: Crispy and Delicious
Chapli kabab is a crispy, flavourful patty made with minced meat usually beef along with some special spices. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty snack. You can find them all over the place, but Burns Road has some of the best. Chapli kabab is like the Karachi version of a burger patty or cutlet, but way better. It’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor.
History & Origin: Chapli Kabab, a speciality of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a spicy minced meat patty. It’s known for its unique shape and robust flavours.
Best Places to Eat:
- Khyber Restaurant: Famous for authentic chapli kababs.
- Jeddah Biryani House: Offers delicious chapli kababs as well.
Local Favourites:
- Street Vendors: Numerous stalls in Karachi serve freshly made chapli kababs.
- Shinwari Restaurant: Known for its authentic chapli kababs.
- Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Hussainabad: Areas with numerous chapli kabab vendors.
- Burns Road and Super Highway: Famous for their chapli kababs
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 100-150 per kabab.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Minced meat, tomatoes, coriander, pomegranate seeds, cumin, coriader seeds and spices.
- Cooking: Minced meat is mixed with spices and shaped into patties, then deep fried in beef fat until crispy.Sometimes you can opt to have a fried egg mixed in it before frying.
10. Peshawari Ice Cream: Rich and Creamy
If you’re an ice cream lover, you can’t miss Peshawari ice cream. It’s super rich and creamy, with a hint of cardamom and rose water. It’s the perfect way to end a meal. This ice cream is next level. It’s rich, creamy, and has this amazing milky flavour with a unique ice crsytals texture, the fresh malai (cream) which is churned to get the texture coats the mouth with a smoooth buttery feel.. Definitely a treat.
History & Origin: Peshawari ice cream, originating from Peshawar, is known for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavours.
Best Places to Eat:
- Peshawari Ice Cream Parlour: The best place to enjoy this creamy delight.
- Yasir Broast: Also offers a variety of Peshawari ice creams.
Local Favourites:
- Street Vendors: Widely available in markets and streets.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 100-200 per scoop.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Milk, cream, sugar, nuts, cardamom.
- Cooking: Milk and cream are churned with sugar and flavours, then frozen.
11. Biryani: A Flavourful Feast
Last but not least, biryani! This flavorful rice dish comes in all sorts of variations, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Abdullah Biryani and Ghousia Biryani are two famous spots to check out. No Karachi food list is complete without biryani. It’s a fragrant, flavorful rice dish that’s packed with meat or veggies. You’ll find countless biryani spots in the city.
History & Origin: Biryani, a beloved South Asian rice dish, has Mughal origins. Karachi’s biryani is known for its spicy flavour and aromatic rice.
Best Places to Eat:
- Student Biryani: Iconic for its delicious, spicy biryani.
- Madni Biryani: A favourite among locals for its rich taste.
Local Favourites:
- Allah Wala Biryani: Known for its unique masala blend.
Price:
- Tentative price: PKR 150-250 per plate.
Ingredients & Cooking Method:
- Ingredients: Basmati rice, meat, spices, yogurt, onions, tomatoes.
- Cooking: Rice and meat are cooked separately with spices, then layered and steamed together.
12. Halwa Puri: A Breakfast Favourite
Brief History: Halwa puri is a traditional breakfast dish that has been enjoyed in the region for centuries, particularly popular in Karachi.
Best Places to Try:
- Dilpasand Sweets in Saddar
- Jamal Sweets in Clifton
- Dhamthal in Gulshan e Ali
- Gullu Halwa Puri in Saddar Karachi
Local Favourite: A Sunday breakfast staple for many families.
Tentative Price: PKR 100-200
Cooking Method: Puri is a deep-fried bread served with halwa (a sweet dish made from semolina) and a spicy chickpea curry.
13. Chana and Paratha: A Savoury Breakfast
Brief History: Chana (chickpea curry) and paratha (flatbread) is a popular breakfast combo in Karachi, known for its hearty and satisfying flavours.
Best Places to Try:
- Dil Khush Paratha in Burns Road
- Siddique Paratha House in Gulshan-e-Iqbal
Local Favourite: Loved by locals for its freshness and taste, with parathas made right in front of you.
Tentative Price: PKR 150-250
Cooking Method: Chickpeas are cooked with spices and served with freshly made, flaky parathas.
14. Karachi Paya: A Late-Night Craving
For a truly authentic Karachi experience, indulge in paya, a rich and flavorful soup made from trotters, typically enjoyed late at night.
15. Quetta Chai: A Perfect Ending
Brief History: Quetta chai, originating from the Quetta region, has become a popular beverage in Karachi for its unique preparation and rich flavour.
Best Places to Try:
- Quetta Alamgir Hotel in Gulshan-e-Iqbal
- Quetta Tea House in Clifton
Local Favourite: Often enjoyed as an evening drink, paired with snacks.
Tentative Price: PKR 50-100
Unique Ingredients: Prepared with strong tea leaves, milk, and often flavoured with cardamom and cloves in a unique green iron jug.
16. Al Madina Baba Juice Centre: Fresh Juices and Milkshakes
No trip to Karachi is complete without indulging in the city’s famous fresh juices and milkshakes. Al Madina Baba Juice Centre, a beloved institution for over 60 years, offers an incredible variety of refreshing drinks made from seasonal and tropical fruits.
Brief History: Al Madina Baba Juice Centre, established over 60 years ago in Saddar, is renowned for its fresh juices and milkshakes made from seasonal and tropical fruits available in Karachi.
Best Places to Try:
- Al Madina Baba Juice Centre in Saddar
Local Favourite: A favourite spot for locals to enjoy refreshing drinks, especially during the hot summer months.
Tentative Price: PKR 80-200
Unique Ingredients: Known for using the freshest fruits to create a variety of juices and milkshakes, from mango and guava to pomegranate and banana.
17. Karachi's Sweet Tooth: Indulgent Delights
As a Bonus, let me give you two more things which you can try.
You definitely can’t leave Karachi before trying or taking these sweet and savoury treats for your friends and family, something to give them a taste of Karachi!
- Rabri from Rehmat e Shreen: This creamy, fresh cream (malai) and condensed milk-based dessert is a must-try. It’s rich, decadent, and incredibly satisfying.
- Suterpheni from Fida Ali Sweets and F.T Sweets: This delicate, stringy sweet is made with flour , sugar, ghee and saffron. It’s a true melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Sohan Halwa and Other Halwa from Salehbhai Sweets: This iconic sweet shop offers a variety of halwas, including sohan halwa, a crumbly, nutty delight.
Karachi's Nimco Craze: Savoury Snacks
Karachi is also known for its delicious nimco, a savory snack made from chickpeas, lentils, and spices. Be sure to try it from Ezzi Nimco or other popular shops in Saddar.
