How Different Is Pakistani Food From Indian?

[Gypsy]

(salam)

So, yesterday we had Pakistani food. I don’t know much about Pakistani food but the dishes we had yesterday were extremely delicious. The guy and his family who cooked the meal were from Pakistan (I think somewhere from the North of Pakistan).

I’ve eaten Indian food before and I have also learnt to cook some Indian dishes quite well. But I have never eaten anything so tasteful in my life. All the dishes were really unique.

#1 - How different is the Pakistani food from Indian?

#2 - Is it spicier than Indian? (I was under the impression that Pakistani dishes were spicier/hotter than Indian, but my experience is slightly different).

#3 - I’ve noticed that some of the dishes tasted like Persian dishes?

[JimJam]

posting in sister thread :squeez:

I live in Karachi which is mainly populated by settlers from India and the food they cook isnt probably much different from Indian food, although I haven't ever eaten authentic Indian food to tell the difference, maybe because the Muslims are generally carnivorous compared to Hindus so their version of Indian food tastes richer. Its very spicy. Most people from upcountry cant handle it. The rest of the country's food is a a lot more bland and simpler. Although the philosophy in baloch and pashtun areas is generally "make it bigga" when it comes to roasted meat.

Edited July 25, 2011 by JimJam

[-SeeKeR-]

Pakistan and Indian food have some overlaps but over the years the differences have also developed. For example in Pakistan meat is used excessively, vegetables and lentils are only reserved as side dishes or for casual home meals. Indians also use a lot of stuff for "Bhagar" like cumin, curry leaves etc. they also use mustard seeds, Asafoetida etc. Since Indians focus on veggies a lot, the variety is more, like they have many different lentil dishes which are not common in Pakistani cuisine like arhar daal, tur, urad. These are some of the very basic and main differences. Other differences exist in the way a same dish might be cooked. If you tasted the two you would be able to notice a slight difference in taste.

Another point on which the food differs is due to geographic location. For example in Punjab, Sindh the food might be more spicy but in the northern and western side of Pakistan the food is more influenced by Persian and Afghan cooking. For example people living in the western province of Balochistan that borders with Iran generally eat less spicy stuff and more similar to Persian cuisine.

[Marbles]

Both of you are confusing the sister. ^_^ So let me get this straight.

#1 - How different is the Pakistani food from Indian?

First off, there is a difference between Pakistani/Indian cuisine as found in the West and as cooked in respective countries. What you have in the West is fusion cuisine, different in taste as well as names, than what is found at 'home' in India and Pakistan. Some of the Indian or Pakistani dishes in the West are totally alien to India or Pakistan. Zareen is likely to have eaten fusion cuisine.

In the West, at least in Europe, the dishes which are sold under Indian and Pakistani cuisines are almost identical (save for regional varieties), with meat as a core ingredient, unless you are eating vegetables. Many Pakistani owners label their restaurants as "Indian cuisine" simply because this name is more marketable and recognisable than "Pakistani cuisine". There is no other difference.

Let me now turn to the difference between two cuisines at home in India and Pakistan.

Mainstream Pakistan (Punjab and Urban Sindh) has pretty similar dishes to that of Northern India. And the cuisine of these two regions is the most similar to what you will find in the West. Both these cuisines make excessive use of meat, chicken in particular. Pakistanis also use beef and mutton; Indian's usually don't.

Other parts of Pakistan (North-West province and Balochistan) have different dishes in name and taste. They use less spice. Barring Urban centres in those regions, which offer mainstream Pakistani dishes, you will find very different dishes in the rural areas, none of which has found its way to the restaurants of the West.

Cuisine famous in Northern India (which, as noted, has a lot of similarities to mainstream Pakistani cuisine) is not to be found in South India. South India offers a completely different cuisine, with different names for dishes, and they are overwhelmingly vegetarian dishes in contrast to the North. Some of those dishes may be found in peculiarly South Indian (Tamil, Kerala etc) restaurants in the West, but not in usual "Indian" or "Pakistani" restaurants.

An interesting fact should also be noted that the introduction of meat into Indian cuisine (part of which later became Pakistani cuisine after the independence) is due to the influence of Muslim eating habits in India. Hindus were a few decades ago a strictly vegetarian people, and so there were virtually no dishes of meat in normal Hindu households. The situation has changed. Many if not most Hindus today would eat at least chicken or fish, and even mutton/lamb, but they wouldn't touch beef.

Zareen, could you please name the dishes you had eaten?

#2 - Is it spicier than Indian? (I was under the impression that Pakistani dishes were spicier/hotter than Indian, but my experience is slightly different).

Both mainstream Pakistani and North Indian cuisine use spices liberally.

Dishes in North-West and Balochistan in Pakistan are less spicy.

South Indian dishes also use a lot of spices.

Dishes in the West are usually made to taste. Westerner eaters don't like very hot dishes.

#3 - I’ve noticed that some of the dishes tasted like Persian dishes?

Name those dishes please. I can't think of any resemblance. Persian dishes are bland and use very less oil. Mainstream Pakistani cuisine is the exact opposite.

The rest of the country's food is a a lot more bland and simpler.

You obviously haven't been to Lahore, bro!

Edited July 25, 2011 by Marbles

[Master Chief]

Marbles covered it quite well.

[Gypsy]

(salam)

I don’t think I ate Fusion cooking. It was very authentic because I know how some of these dishes should taste e.g Shish Kebab. His Shish Kebab tasted more Persian than Indian/Pakistani or Middle Eastern. They were cook to perfection.

He also served Beef Qeema. Very delicious. Spicy but not too hot. Served with naan.

Then we had chicken biryani.

He also made another dish call nihari. I did not try this dish because it looked very spicy. It was reddish.

I don’t remember if we had any veggie. Maybe not.

But his desserts were also good. Something made with carrot. And another with rice.

The other time, his family made more Persian dishes like Okra Stew, Leeks curry, eggplant, saffron rice etc.

[Marbles]

Hmm. That sounds like proper Pakistani food. I love all thse dishes you mentioned if cooked with perfection.

Nihari is normally not found in Western restaurants, assuming you ate at a restaurant. It's absolutely awesome. So is Haleem. LINK

The dessert sounds Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa). SEE PICS

[Master Chief]

(salam)

I don’t think I ate Fusion cooking. It was very authentic because I know how some of these dishes should taste e.g Shish Kebab. His Shish Kebab tasted more Persian than Indian/Pakistani or Middle Eastern. They were cook to perfection.

He also served Beef Qeema. Very delicious. Spicy but not too hot. Served with naan.

Then we had chicken biryani.

He also made another dish call nihari. I did not try this dish because it looked very spicy. It was reddish.

I don’t remember if we had any veggie. Maybe not.

But his desserts were also good. Something made with carrot. And another with rice.

The other time, his family made more Persian dishes like Okra Stew, Leeks curry, eggplant, saffron rice etc.

Nihari is pure Pakistani dish best served with fresh hot tandoori nan and cold lassi. I used to eat it every morning at breakfast back when I was there. I recommend that you do try it next time you get a chance of eating Nihari. Also try Paya (kinda like bone soup, but it is amazingly delicious) and with hot tandoori nan.

@ Marbles, Haleem is available in Persian restaurants and in Pakistani restaurants here in Canada (but it does not have the same authentic taste :cry: ). Also your avatar is a bit freaky, as if its staring in my soul (not that I have a soul).

[Marbles]

Nihari is pure Pakistani dish best served with fresh hot tandoori nan and cold lassi. I used to eat it every morning at breakfast back when I was there. I recommend that you do try it next time you get a chance of eating Nihari. Also try Paya (kinda like bone soup, but it is amazingly delicious) and with hot tandoori nan.

Paye is cow or goat hooves, cleaned and cooked in a thin, diluted curry which is indeed delicious. However, this dish is for a niche. Not for everyone's taste. Many many Pakistanis don't like it. Those who eat it love it; those who don't just can't even bear looking at it.

@ Marbles, Haleem is available in Persian restaurants and in Pakistani restaurants here in Canada (but it does not have the same authentic taste :cry: ). Also your avatar is a bit freaky, as if its staring in my soul (not that I have a soul).

I know. It's hard to create the same authentic haleem taste. Not many places do good haleem.

And yes, my avatar stares down the inner corners of your soul, whether you have one or not ;)

[Bonafide Hustler]

Gonna have me some birahi kakabs son, TONIGHT, I CANT WAIT, I SWEAR I GET SO EXCITED, nothing excites me more than going out for Pakistani food.

OI GUYS FEAST YOUR EYES

ZAREEN THIS IS MY FAV PAKI DISH OF ALL TIMES, CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

although its not the best, atleast its in english

AND ALSO I WOULD really recommend the following:

YAKHNI PULAO BEEF

HALEEM

PASANDE

BIHARI KABAB

NIHARI ( GOTTA BE DONE RIGHT)

also never forget the nan breads

[-SeeKeR-]

But his desserts were also good. Something made with carrot. And another with rice.

The other time, his family made more Persian dishes like Okra Stew, Leeks curry, eggplant, saffron rice etc.

Its possible that the person or his wife hail from quetta, like hazara, their cooking is usually tilted towards persian side. For rice it might be kheer or firni. If the texture was rough it must be kheer otherwise if smooth then firni.

Nihari is pure Pakistani dish best served with fresh hot tandoori nan and cold lassi. I used to eat it every morning at breakfast back when I was there. I recommend that you do try it next time you get a chance of eating Nihari. Also try Paya (kinda like bone soup, but it is amazingly delicious) and with hot tandoori nan.

Nihari for breakfast and that too everyday..... Are you sure that your heart is working fine....

Paye is cow or goat hooves, cleaned and cooked in a thin, diluted curry which is indeed delicious. However, this dish is for a niche. Not for everyone's taste. Many many Pakistanis don't like it. Those who eat it love it; those who don't just can't even bear looking at it.

Ewww paya defi, i dont understand how people can eat that thin gravy with those slimy pieces...

Edited July 30, 2011 by -SeeKeR-

[Basim Ali]

Then we had chicken biryani.

There are umpteen number of ways to do this dish. We have the typical Indian types (Hyderabadi, etc.) and the typical Pakistani types (Sindhi, Memoni, etc.) cooked using mutton or chicken or eggs or just vegetables. In fact, over the years, most good cooks (aka Paki moms :wub: ) have each developed their own special way of cooking biryani. That's why when they meet up at parties the 'how you cook biryani' topic never gets old! :!!!:

Asafoetida

What is this? :mellow: Haldi (though that's turmeric)?

[Marbles]

Ewww paya defi, i dont understand how people can eat that thin gravy with those slimy pieces...

There! See what I mean people!

Paye is absolutely delicious; one of its kind dish. I think you will agree about the latter, sister :P

A desi who doesn't like Paye isn't a full desi!

[Master Chief]

Its possible that the person or his wife hail from quetta, like hazara, their cooking is usually tilted towards persian side. For rice it might be kheer or firni. If the texture was rough it must be kheer otherwise if smooth then firni.

Nihari for breakfast and that too everyday..... Are you sure that your heart is working fine....

Ewww paya defi, i dont understand how people can eat that thin gravy with those slimy pieces...

Lol, then you definitely won't understand why people like a dish made out of brain, and the a dish made out of intestines (it is called "bhutt" in Urdu (IIRC)). :lol:

[Just_A_Submitter]

Ive never tasted Pakistan food in my entire life, mind to share some recipes so i can imagine ?

[Marbles]

Ive never tasted Pakistan food in my entire life, mind to share some recipes so i can imagine ?

Please try THIS

[Gypsy]

ZAREEN THIS IS MY FAV PAKI DISH OF ALL TIMES, CHECK OUT THE RECIPE

although its not the best, atleast its in english

This video is good. I think I would be able to make it. My only concern is that the cook did not use any water while cooking. Also, she is using chicken drumsticks. I don’t really make curry or any gravy with chicken drumsticks. Can I replace it with chicken thighs? :unsure:

[Master Chief]

This video is good. I think I would be able to make it. My only concern is that the cook did not use any water while cooking. Also, she is using chicken drumsticks. I don’t really make curry or any gravy with chicken drumsticks. Can I replace it with chicken thighs? :unsure:

yes, you can use chicken thighs, ( I use boneless chicken when I'm cooking it)

[-SeeKeR-]

What is this? :mellow: Haldi (though that's turmeric)?

Its called heeng in urdu, usually used for bhagar.

Lol, then you definitely won't understand why people like a dish made out of brain, and the a dish made out of intestines (it is called "bhutt" in Urdu (IIRC)). :lol:

Yeah i defi dont understand how people can eat, brain, kidneys, fish eyes, kutta kuta!

[Gypsy]

(salam)

I tried out the chicken recipe in Bonafide Hustler video.

It was really good. I made some changes in the recipe. I use boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces and cook with different spices.

Delicious.

[LucaRose12]

R Pakistani food isn't as great as Indian food by a long shot. Pakistani food ( anywhere you go) is generally extremely high in heavy masala and red chillis, and a lot of oil. Pakistani restaurants are geared only for Pakistani palates not continental. Indian food is so delicious and has a well thought out recipe vs. spice ratio combination. Also all indian restaurants are managed by a team that are educated I good business ethics and a continental expectation. All or most pakistani places are all unhygienic, and the people are very filthy who can't speak English, and always serve their friends first. Pakistan should be thought of as the [edit] of the indian family the un cultured the uncouth.

Edited January 2, 2016 by starlight
The part where you issued a statement about Pakistanis being 'uncultured and uncouth' had to be edited out because of an uncivilised slang,the irony.

[The Green Knight]

A big difference between the two foods is meat. Indian food will be devoid of meat since they worship it. And because we devour the hindu god is another reason they hate us.

Edited January 2, 2016 by Darth Vader

[tahir590]

Pakistani and Indian food are same.

[Noorelhussain]

Omg Nihari is lifeee :o

I'm seriously craving it right now, but I dunno how to make it, I wish my mami was here to help me make it agh.

The sad thing is, I can't eat Paki food at all.. ya3ni when my mum makes it, I take a bite and my tongue's on fire lolol, & she hates this now lool.

But I've eaten Indian food when I was in Abu Dhabi and I can tell the obvious difference between Paki & Indo food.

Edited February 26, 2016 by NooralHussain

[Deewan]

As different as the difference between awesome and average.

[asifnaqvi]

Difference?

Gow Mata !

You can worship it along one side of the border, while you can torn it into pieces in the name of beef on the other side.

[Muhammad Islam]

Indian food has many varieties both in vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The southern coastal areas and eastern India consumes lot of fish as well. I do not know much about Pakistani food but in India the food differs every 50 kilometres due to its diversity.

[Qambar1]

I think Paki food and North Indian food is much similar...South Indian food is quite different delight...