Pakistani cuisine is based on curry or
masala (hot and spicy) sauces accompanying chicken, lamb, prawns and a wide choice of vegetables. Its flavors are drawn from its Afghani, Turkish and Iranian roots.
Things to know: Alcohol may be bought at major hotels by visitors who have been issued a Liquor Permit from the Excise and Taxation Office. Wine is expensive and only available in upscale restaurants. Pakistani-brewed beer is widely available, as are canned carbonated drinks. There are no bars since there are strict laws concerning alcohol, and it is illegal to drink in
public. Waiter service is provided in the larger hotels and restaurants. Visitors should avoid drinking water from the tap; bottled water is available everywhere, but it is necessary to make sure it comes in properly sealed plastic bottles.
National specialties:•
Biryani (seasoned rice with mutton, chicken and yogurt).
•
Sag gosht (spinach and lamb curry).
• Dal chawal (brown lentils and rice).
•
Shish kebabs (charcoal-grilled meat on skewers).
•
Shami-kebabs (patties of chopped meat fried in ghee or butter).
•
Halwa (sweetmeat made with eggs, carrots, maize cream,
sooji and nuts).
National drinks:
•
Tea (drunk strong with milk and often very sweet).
Legal drinking age: 21.
Tipping: Most high-class hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Other tipping is discretionary.
NightlifeTop hotels have
bars and
dancing but there is little Western-style nightlife.
Cinemas in the large cities show international as well as Pakistani films. There are plenty of
cultural events featuring traditional music and dance organized by the
Pakistani Arts Academy throughout the year.
Festivals and annual
celebrations are colorful and lively. Lahore has the most bustling nightlife, including popular theater and musical events.
Next Page »
