Pakistani cuisine is based on curry or
masala (hot and spicy) sauces accompanying chicken, lamb, shrimps and a wide choice of vegetables.
National specialties:•
Biryani (seasoned rice with mutton, chicken and yogurt).
•
Sag gosht (spinach and lamb curry).
•
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).
•
Firni (similar to vanilla custard).
National drinks:
•
Tea (drunk strong
with milk and often very sweet).
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.
Tipping: Most high-class hotels and restaurants add a 10 per cent 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.
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