As Pakistanis, food is always our first priority no matter what. Be it an official meeting, a wedding, a college break, or even a funeral, food is something that brings us all together.

A while ago I was discussing delicacies of Pakistan with my friends which brings me to write this blog.

There are a number of foods that have always won our heart.  If you’re traveling across Pakistan, there are plenty of places where you can go…balkay you MUST go, for ‘UFF BUHAT MAZAY KA KHANA”

Mian Jee Ki Daal:

Way before Islamabad-Lahore motorway was constructed, GT road was the only way to go Lahore. While traveling from Rawalpindi to Lahore or other cities of a Punjab, it was a must to have Ievery time we crossed Lala Musa. Between Lahore and Pindi, there’s a restaurant for the masses called Mianjee

Known for its special daal channa and paratha, the place has always served the taste for years. People from all parts of Pakistan visit the restaurant just for its unique flavour. Desi ghee is a magical ingredient for sure but we still haven’t figured out how they make it so yummy!

Hassan Abdal Ki Machli:

Located in the north of Punjab, 40km northwest of Islamabad, Hassan Abdal is a home of the Gurudwara Panja Sahib- one of the most sacred sites of Sikhism.

The town is famous for its historical association with the Mughal Era; Wah Gardens, Tomb of Lalarukh, and Hakimon ka Maqbara.

What still remains is the fresh river fish which has driven us crazy for so long! There’s not a specific eaterie as per say but the several roadside fish vendors cook it with spicy and yummilicious masala. It’s a must try if you’re planning to go there!

Charsi Tikka, Peshawar:

Known for its lamb chops and karai, Charsi tikka is something you would definitely want to have over and over again. Located in Namak Mandi, the restaurant offers a wide range of meat; barbeque, karahi, and kabab. They’re made in a special ghee and tossed with salt in an unconventional way which makes it a delicacy.

Patakha Chicken, Nathiagali:

Patakha Chicken is a fried roast marinated in salt, garlic juice and lots of crushed red chili flake. If you’re a spice lover, you would definitely love this chicken! Wo bhi Nathiagali mein <3

Featured image source: Mangobaaz

It’s extremely hot in most parts of the country and fasting is obviously going to be difficult. So, here are some refreshing, easy, and yummy drinks you can make at home. They don’t require too much time and effort, give these drinks to aunties and uncles and bag a bunch of compliments!

1. Sparkling Watermelon Ginger Drink: 

Uff watermelon is our best friend when it comes to summery foods. Our favourite favourite favourite fruit! Well, this drink is absolutely easy to make, here you go:

Ingredient:

Watermelon

Ginger

Carbonated water

Lemon

2. Watermelon, Ginger, Pineapple, and Ginger Drink:

Eeee! So much flavour and fun in one drink! This is going to drive you nuts after a lengthy roza. Get ready for some drink coma:

Ingredients:

Watermelon

Pineapple

Ginger

3. Yogurt and Apple Smoothie

Yogurt is a great way to keep thirst under control if you’re fasting. This mouth-watering smoothie is a must try before or after roza.

Ingredients:

Milk
Greek Yogurt
Dates
Apple Juice

4. Oats and Fruit Smoothie:

If you’re planning to eat healthy during Ramazan, this is a great drink to keep up with your health and weight. You would need the following ingredients for this:

Milk
Honey
Oats
Cinnamon Powder
Mango
Peach

5. Plum Lemonade:

Lemonade is a standard and the most loved drink for iftaar but you can always make it yummier by adding more fun to it.

Ingredients:

Plum
Lemon
Water
Brown Sugar
Ice

6. Lemonade with Chia Seeds:

Like mentioned earlier, lemonade is just the bomb you need after a parched day. Well to add more flavour and health value to your drink, you can have it with chia seeds( known as tukhmalanga in Urdu). It is also a great way to lose weight because of its high fiber value ( woaah, secret to your fit body!)

Ingredients:

Lemons
Chia Seeds
Water
Sugar Syrup
Ice

7. Mango and Coconut Drink:

Haye Allah, this sounds perfect already. Mango is the king of all fruits and it beats the heat for sure (if taken the right amount). Here, have a look:

Ingredients:

Mango
Lemons
Sugar
Mint
Coconut Water

8. Mango Lassi

Lassi is our traditional go-to drink every summer, well here’s how you can add more flavour it *ting*

Ingredients:

Mangoes
Yogurt
Crushed cardamom
Sugar
Nuts
Ice

The snow is melting and spring is just around the corner, so, Pakistanis pack those jackets and get your shorts out cause outdoor fun time is back.

Usually, when it comes to getting one’s family or friends together for some outdoor, under the sun fun, we get lost in deciding what to do, one thinks about the variety of options and not seem to find many on the list.

Well, we at Pakiholic, have good news for you, dear comrades, because we have found the best place for you to enjoy spring at its full swing. Mangla dam!

What ????? Why ???? What even ???

You ask.

Well, one thing that many don’t know about Mangla is that it’s not just a boring old dam rather it’s a fun-filled place that provides tourists and visitors with multiple water sports activities.

From jet skiing to speedboat rides near the spillway, one could also enjoy paragliding and banana boating. Take a cool dip in the translucent blue water or complete the cliff jump challenge that many find too extreme.

There is an assortment of choices when it comes to food at the bank of the water. Many small food stalls provide you with freshly caught fish which they serve you fried and garnished with lemon and chat masala. If you’re really in the mood they rustle up a mouthwatering, tongue sizzling fish karai and it’s so good that you would definitely wanna visit again soon for a second round.

Mangla not only provides a fun experience at the waterfront but also hosts huge orange farms that play a huge part in producing a good percentage of the sweet nectarine in Pakistan. One could always visit these farms and enjoy the vibrant fruit straight from the tree while enjoying a picnic with friends or family. Basking in the sun among the fruit-laden orange trees that cover the farms that stretch as far as one’s eyes can see.

So don’t waste this spring sitting around at home watching tv folks, pack your bags and sandwiches and head on down to Mangla for a fun-filled weekend/ getaway.