Pakistan is so vast that the colors of culture change in different parts of the country as well as the aroma and taste of food change. The cuisine of each region is different and unique. Here we will talk about the famous crown of Gilgit-Baltistan, the crown of Pakistan’s head.
Gilgit Baltistan Famous Food – There is a clear difference between the food of the plains and the mountains
We have listed the top 11 local dishes of Hunza Gilgit Baltistan on the basis of the most recommended by locals in Gilgit Baltistan.
1 – Salty tea – نمکین چائے
According to him, we do not drink Hunza sweet tea. Yes! The tea here is salty and they like it. This tradition is all over Gilgit-Baltistan.
2 – White Gyaling – گُورے گیالنگ
This famous dish made at the festival of Guinea is made from barley. Barley is fried and water is added to it. Then when it becomes like flour, it is kneaded and its bread is made on which ghee oil is applied. It is usually eaten with salted tea for breakfast but you can also eat it without tea. It’s actually a festive dish.
3 – Mumto – ممتُو
Mamto, Skardu, and Hunza-nagarki in the far north of Pakistan is a delicious dish. You can also call it Gilgit-Baltistan samosa. The only difference is that it is not fried in ghee or oil but cooked on steam.
Called the “Dumpling of the North”, this dish belongs to China which was later adopted by the people here and today it is the famous “Khaba” of Gilgit-Baltistan.
This steam-cooked dish is filled with beef or mutton, spices made from onions, garlic and green chilies, flour and flour foil, and when ready, served with various sauces and vinegar. It is also available in Mamto, Lahore, and Pindi due to its high demand.
4 – Charishora – چاپشورو / شارپشورو
There is nothing wrong with calling Chapashoro or Sharpashoro Hunza’s pizza. This pizza-like dish is similar to bread, which is filled with delicious spices. First of all, bread is made from wheat flour on which spices are placed.
This filling is made by adding various ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and spices to beef or yak meat. Then another loaf of bread is placed on it and its edges are twisted beautifully. It is cooked on a large fork for ten to fifteen minutes and taken off when it is golden. Some people eat it like pizza, while others enjoy it by picking a layer of bread in between.
5 – Derahem Fitti – دیرم فٹی
It is made from wheat. For this, the wheat has to be kept in a moist place for some time, which gives it sweetness. Later, bread is made from its flour and cooked in apricot oil like pratha. Some people also apply almond oil.
The same pratha is then cut into pieces or cooked in desi ghee and served. This starchy food is considered powerful in Hunza which most farmers take with them while working in the fields.
6 – Mowleeda – مُولیدا
It is made from yogurt. Yogurt is made by adding fine pieces of wheat bread, onion, salt and coriander. After mixing, it is thickened and then made by adding ghee oil.
7 – Yak Meat
Unlike other parts of Pakistan, there are very few buffaloes here. The yak is a common and popular animal here. Yak milk and meat are mostly used here. Yak milk is too thick to make tea. Its flesh, like Markhor, is warm and deep red in effect.
8 – Kaylao – کیلاؤ
It can also be called the indigenous chocolate of Gilgit-Baltistan which is equally popular in Chitral. Kilauea is a well-known gift in the Ghizr district, in which walnuts, almonds, nuts, and dried apricots are strung in strings in the form of necklaces.
On the other hand, grape juice is cooked well in fire and after it thickens well, soaks the necklace in it and dry it well for three weeks. This gift is usually made in the winter and is full of energy. It is made at home in a completely indigenous way.
9 – Buttering Dawood
Hunza’s traditional soup is made with apricots in winter. It is also considered useful in winter seasonal diseases and constipation. It is made by mixing dried apricots with sugar, water, and lemon juice.
This soup is made in every house in Hunza. Let us now turn to some of the special gifts of Gilgit-Baltistan that are unique to this part of Pakistan.
10 – The famous fruit of Gilgit-Baltistan
The most famous of the fruits of Hunza and Nagar is the cherry which is grown in abundance here. Hunza’s black juice-filled cherries are shipped home and abroad. Apart from this, the apricot is also an example of its own. Extremely sweet and delicious. Apples, walnuts, mulberries, almonds, and mulberries are also plentiful here.
11 – Ashkeen – اشکین
This yellow wood-like herb is obtained from the very high mountains. According to locals, it is very useful in joint and bone pain. Due to its warming effect, it is mixed with a small amount of milk and drunk. A piece of Ashkin can be easily found for 100 rupees.
