Saraiki cuisine facts for kids

Saraiki cuisine (Saraiki: سرائیکی کھاݨیں) is the traditional food of the Saraiki people in central Pakistan. This style of cooking is found in the Saraiki-speaking areas of southern Punjab, and also in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan. Saraiki food has many special local dishes. It also shares some influences with the foods of nearby regions. The city of Multan is a very important center for Saraiki cooking.

Delicious Saraiki Dishes

Saraiki cuisine offers many unique and tasty dishes. Let's explore some of the most famous ones!

Sweet Treats and Desserts

One of the most famous sweet dishes is Sohan halwa. It is a traditional dessert from southern Punjab, especially Multan. Sohan halwa is a type of sweet treat called halwa. It is made by boiling a mix of water, sugar, milk, and cornflour until it becomes solid.

Chefs add saffron for a nice flavor and ghee (a type of clarified butter) to stop it from sticking. They also add tasty nuts like almonds and pistachios, plus cardamom seeds. Other cities in southern Punjab, like Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur, are also famous for their Sohan halwa.

Other sweet treats include Phikka Khuwa, Maal Pooray, and Kupri. Dillay aali Siwiyan and Billay aali Siwiyan are also popular sweet noodle dishes.

Savory Main Courses

Multani Chaamp is a delicious meat dish. It uses lamb chops prepared with different spices and flavors. These chops are placed on skewers and grilled over hot charcoal.

Sohbat is a special dish from the Saraiki areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. It is a traditional food in places like DI Khan, Tank, and DG Khan. Sohbat is popular with both Saraiki people and Pathans in the Damaan region.

Sohbat is a less known but very special dish. It features a watery gravy, often with tikka masala, served over pieces of hot chapatti (flatbread).

Refreshing Drinks and Snacks

Lassi is a popular traditional drink. It is made from yogurt and can be sweet or savory. It is very refreshing, especially in the hot weather.

Other local snacks and dishes include Chilra (which is similar to Dosa), Satto, Bhatt, and Kakko.

Seasonal Delights

Mango is a very important fruit in this region. It is a seasonal fruit that grows during the summer. People enjoy fresh mangoes and use them in various dishes and drinks.

Images for kids

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  Multani-style Sohan halwa

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  Cholistani-style pulao, made from camel meat

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  Sajji, a popular dish in southern Punjab