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Karachi.pakistan |
Best Food in Karachi – The Ultimate 56-Spot Guide by a Local Foodie
Karachi – Pakistan’s biggest city and melting pot of cultures – is a food lover’s dream come true. From sizzling street food to family recipes passed down for generations, this city offers an endless variety of flavors. If you’ve ever wondered where to eat in Karachi or which places are a must-try, here’s the ultimate guide to 56 of the city’s most iconic food spots.
Whether you’re a visitor or a proud Karachiite, this list will help you navigate the city’s bustling streets and hidden corners to find the tastiest dishes.
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1. Perfume Shopping – Perfume Chowk, Gulistan-e-Johar
Your Karachi journey begins with the famous Perfume Chowk. Though not food, it’s the city’s aromatic hub where you can buy fragrances before your food trail. The area is lively and a great introduction to Karachi’s hustle.
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2. Nihari – Javed Nihari, Dastgir
Known for its rich gravy, tender beef, and perfect blend of spices, Javed Nihari is a breakfast legend. Add fresh ginger, lemon, and green chilies for the authentic experience.
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3. Biryani – Naseeb Biryani, Mehmoodabad
Karachi without biryani? Impossible. Naseeb Biryani is celebrated for its aromatic rice, juicy chicken, and perfect balance of spice.
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4. Singaporean Rice – Food Break, Bahadurabad
A creamy, saucy dish with crispy noodles on top – Singaporean Rice at Food Break is a favorite fusion choice for young foodies.
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5. Haleem – Mazedar Haleem, Samanabad
Thick, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection, Mazedar Haleem is comfort food at its finest.
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6. Gola Ganda – Uncle Gola, Dhoraji
Karachi summers call for colorful Gola Ganda. Uncle Gola’s shaved ice drenched in syrups is an iconic treat.
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7. Namkeen Boti – Al Harmain, Al Asif Square
Smoky, salty, and juicy – Namkeen Boti at Al Harmain is a true Balochi BBQ experience.
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8. Gol Gappay – Liaquatabad Flyover
Crispy shells filled with tangy water and chickpeas – Gol Gappay here are perfect for a quick snack.
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9. Chapli Kebab – A-One, Shah Faisal Colony
Meaty, fragrant, and spiced just right – A-One’s Chapli Kebabs transport you straight to KPK.
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10. Mutton Karahi – Anwar Baloch, Malir
For true meat lovers, Anwar Baloch serves Mutton Karahi loaded with fresh tomatoes, green chilies, and spices.
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11. Chargha – Café Lazeez, Burns Road
Crispy outside, tender inside – Chargha here is deep-fried perfection.
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12. Kata Kat – Tayyabi, Hussainabad
The sizzling sound of Kata Kat being cooked on a large griddle is enough to make your mouth water.
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13. Brain Masala – Noorani, Khalid Bin Waleed Road
A rich, creamy delicacy – Brain Masala at Noorani is for adventurous eaters.
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14. Hunter Beef – Hanifia, Banuri Town
Thinly sliced, spiced, and slow-cooked – Hunter Beef is Karachi’s answer to pastrami.
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15. Murgh Cholay – Ghousia, City Court
Tender chicken cooked with chickpeas in a spicy curry – the perfect combo for breakfast.
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16. Balochi Tikka – Madina 2, Super Highway
Smoky skewers of marinated meat grilled to perfection – a Balochi specialty.
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17. Chicken & Chutney Roll – Hot & Spicy, Khadda Market
Soft paratha rolls stuffed with spicy chicken and tangy chutney – an absolute Karachi street food classic.
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18. Behari Tikka – Meerath
Spicy, tender, and infused with mustard – Behari Tikka here is unforgettable.
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19. Malai Boti – Ghaffar Kebab House, Port Grand
Creamy and juicy, Malai Boti is a melt-in-your-mouth BBQ favorite.
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20. Bun Kebab – Hanif Bun Kebab, Pakistan Chowk
A Karachi staple – spicy beef patty in a soft bun with chutney and egg.
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21. Fish Tikka – Yadgar, Jamshed Road
Perfectly grilled, well-marinated fish – fresh and full of flavor.
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22. Beef Burger – Khan Broast, Naseerabad
Juicy patties, soft buns, and Karachi-style sauces – Khan Broast burgers are an old-school treat.
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23. Lachha Paratha – Café Quetta, Alamgir Road
Crispy layers of buttery paratha – perfect with chai.
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24. Rabri – Delhi Rabri, Saddar
Thick, creamy, and sweet – Rabri here is pure indulgence.
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25. Gulab Jamun – Shadab Sweets, FB Area
Soft, syrupy, and heavenly – Gulab Jamun that melts in your mouth.
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26. Dahi Baray – Fresco, Burns Road
Tangy yogurt, soft lentil dumplings, and a sprinkle of masala – Dahi Baray perfection.
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27. Fried Kebab – Waheed, Burns Road
Crispy outside, tender inside – Waheed’s Fried Kebabs are legendary.
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28. Halwa Puri – Dhattumal, Ayesha Manzil
Fluffy puris with sweet halwa – the ultimate Sunday breakfast.
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29. Chullu Kebab – Café Sistani, Saddar
Persian-style kebabs served with rice – a unique Karachi find.
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30. Fruit Chaat – Pakistan Fruit Chaat, Nursery
Fresh seasonal fruits with spicy masala – light and refreshing.
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31. Lassi – Aslam Lassi House, Water Pump
Thick, creamy, and chilled – the best way to beat Karachi’s heat.
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32. Sajji – Bolan Sajji, Hasan Square
Whole chicken or lamb stuffed with rice and slow-cooked – Sajji lovers rejoice.
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33. Beef Chops – United, Gharibabad
Juicy chops grilled with Karachi spices – a meat lover’s dream.
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34. Ice Cream – Peshawari Ice Cream, Hyderi
Thick, creamy, and loaded with flavor – Peshawari Ice Cream is nostalgic for many.
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35. Reshmi Kebab – Chaudhry Mateen, 2K Stop
Silky soft kebabs grilled to perfection – the name says it all.
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36. Kachori – Passport Office
Crispy, flaky, and filled with spicy goodness – a quick snack for busy people.
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37. Shawarma – Just Shawarma, Shaan Circle
Authentic Middle Eastern flavors wrapped in soft pita bread.
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38. Dosa – Dosa Point, Bahadurabad
A South Indian classic – crispy, thin, and served with chutney and sambar.
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39. Gola Kebab – Qureshi Kebab, Hussainabad
Tender minced meat grilled on skewers – juicy and smoky.
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40. Kaleji – 2K Stop
Spicy fried liver – a treat for organ meat lovers.
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41. Kheer – Food Centre, Saddar
Sweet rice pudding with cardamom – simple yet divine.
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42. Kulfi Falooda – Jan Baloch, Saddar
A dessert of chilled noodles, rose syrup, and creamy kulfi – pure Karachi magic.
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43. Meetha Paan – PIDC
End your meal with a sweet paan – refreshing and fragrant.
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44. Behari Boti – Al Kebab, Bahadurabad
Smoky, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth – a BBQ masterpiece.
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45. Soup – Al Hassan, Nazimabad
A warm bowl of hearty soup – perfect for winter nights.
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46. Kulfi – Rehmat-e-Shereen, Tariq Road
Rich, creamy, and frozen – perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
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47. Fish Kata Kat – Yunus Fish, Liaquatabad
A seafood twist to the traditional Kata Kat – loud, sizzling, and flavorful.
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48. Malpura – Hanan, Kharadar
Sweet fried pancakes – a Ramadan specialty.
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49. Nimco – Ratan Talao, Pak Colony
Crispy snacks perfect for tea time – Karachi’s favorite munchies.
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50. Cake – Master Cake, Banuri Town
Freshly baked cakes with that classic bakery aroma.
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51. Chicken Broast – Jan Broast, Bohri Bazaar
Crispy fried chicken Karachi style – a fast food favorite.
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52. Spicy Chargha – Broast Town, Hussainabad
A fiery twist to the classic chargha – not for the faint-hearted.
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53. Malai Khaja – M. Suleman, Kharadar & Bombay Bakery, Tariq Road
Sweet, creamy pastries – a treat for dessert lovers.
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54. Aflatun – M. Suleman Mithaiwala, Kharadar
A rich, nutty sweet – traditional Karachi mithai at its finest.
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Conclusion – Karachi Awaits Your Appetite
Karachi’s food culture is vast and vibrant. From street vendors to heritage eateries, each place tells a story. This guide is just the beginning – the real magic happens when you explore these spots yourself. And if you ever come to Karachi, I’m ready to be your guide – and your foodie companion.