Saraiki cuisine

Saraiki cuisine (Saraiki: سرائیکی کھاݨیں) refers to the native cuisine of the Saraiki people in south Punjab. It is one of the key part of the Pakistani and South Asian cuisines. Saraiki food comprises many unique local dishes, and also shares influences with neighbouring regional cuisines. The metropolitan city of Multan is a hub of Saraiki cooking.

Dishes

Curry dishes

Curry is referred to as bhaji in Saraiki, whether vegetables, meat, or mixed, which is different than nomenclature in some other South Asian cuisines.

Curries made from the flower buds of moringa (locally known as sohanjrra'n) and jachnar are considered delicacies in the region.

Sohbat is a food of Saraiki belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and Saraiki belt of south Punjab, Pakistan. It is the traditional dish of Damaan and other Saraiki belt of DI Khan, Tank, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Taunsa Sharif, Vehoa, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

Rice dishes

Different rice dishes are made in different styles across the Southern Punjab areas. Pulao, bhat (particularly dal bhat made with rice and lentils), and Cholistani-style pulao, made from camel meat, are some of the examples.

Grills

Multani chaamp is a meat dish consisting of lamb chops prepared with various flavours and spices, placed on skewers and grilled over charcoal.^[1]

Sajji is one of the delicacies in the region, particularly in the Sulaiman Mountains region of Southern Punjab.

Snacks

Samosa, pakorra, corn on the cob, dahi bhallay, gol gappay and boiled potatoes mixed with yogurt are common snacks.

Desserts

Sohan halwa is a traditional speciality of southern Punjab, particularly Multan, such as Hafiz sohan halwa.^[2] It is a halwa dessert that is prepared by boiling a mixture of water, sugar, milk and cornflour until solidified. Saffron is used for flavoring while ghee is used to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Almonds, pistachios and cardamom seeds are added as additives.^[2] The southern Punjab cities of Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, Uch Sharif and Mailsi are also known for their sohan halwa products.^[2]

Kulfi, falooda, locally made rose-flavoured ice cream, and gola are popular during summer.

Sweet rice cooked with jaggery, known as gurr ala bhat or gurr walay chaawal, is a common household dessert. Zarda rice is common for special occasions and festivals. Other Pakistani desserts and sweets such as siwayyan, gulab jaman, barfi, firni, kheer, and ras malai are also popular.

Malpura, kachori, and katlama are popular breakfast items which are consumed usually with suji halwa.

Traditional drinks

Thandai is particularly popular in summer.

Traditional fruits

Mango is a seasonal fruit of the region during summers. Other traditional fruits include dates, jamun, shahtoot, falsa, banana, and guava.

Gallery

• 
  Multani-style sohan halwa
• 
  Cholistani-style pulao, made from camel meat
• 
  Sajji, a popular dish in southern Punjab

See also

• Saraikistan
• Saraiki people
• List of Saraiki people
• Saraiki culture
• Saraiki literature
• Saraiki diaspora