Must-Try Foods In Attabad Lake (Gilgit) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Attabad Lake, Gilgit, Pakistan

Attabad Lake is a stunning body of water that arose in the wake of a catastrophic landslide in 2010, in Pakistan's picturesque Hunza Valley. The food in the region surrounding Attabad Lake is characterized by a mix of Central Asian and South Asian flavors, heavily influenced by the diverse ethnicities, such as the Wakhi and Balti, that populate the Gilgit-Baltistan area. The cuisine here is known for its nourishing and hearty nature, designed to provide warmth and energy in the cold mountainous climate. Traditional food often involves locally sourced grains, fruits, and vegetables, combined with a variety of spices and herbs endemic to the region. Dairy products like cheese and butter made from yak's milk are also commonly used in the local cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Attabad Lake, Gilgit, Pakistan

1. Chapshoro - A savory pastry filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually yak or chicken), onions, and local spices. (Non-Veg)
2. Harissa - A warming porridge-like dish made from wheat, barley, and chicken, and flavored with various spices. (Non-Veg)
3. Dawdoo - A soup prepared with hand-pulled wheat noodles, locally sourced vegetables, and chicken or mutton broth. (Non-Veg)
4. Gianni - A traditional noodle dish served with vegetables and sometimes topped with an egg. (Veg)
5. Apricot Cake - A sweet dessert made from the abundant apricots found in the Hunza Valley. (Veg)
6. Mantu - Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (often chicken) and onions, served with yogurt. (Non-Veg)
7. Mulberry Juice - A refreshing juice made from locally grown mulberries. (Veg)
8. Mamtu - A variation of dumplings that are either steamed or boiled, stuffed with meat and served with a side of vegetables or lentils. (Non-Veg)
9. Diram Fitti - A pancake-like snack made of buckwheat flour, enjoyed with tea. (Veg)
10. Hunza Salad - A healthy salad made with fresh vegetables from local organic farms, dressed with lemon and herbs. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Attabad Lake, Gilgit, Pakistan

• Lakeview Restaurant
  Address: Attabad Lake Resort, Attabad Lake
  Famous Food: Trout Fish (locally sourced from the lake) and Yak Meat Dishes (Non-Veg)
• Hunza Food Pavilion
  Address: Karimabad, Near Attabad Lake
  Famous Food: Chapshoro and Organic Hunza Tea (Veg)
• Serena Inn
  Address: Karimabad, Hunza
  Famous Food: Harissa (Non-Veg) and Apricot Desserts (Veg)
• Café De Hunza
  Address: G-B Scouts Road, Aliabad, Hunza
  Famous Food: Walnut Cake (Veg) — Notably, it does not contain meat.

It's important to note that while the Hunza Valley has a tradition of consuming meat, many dishes can be prepared as vegetarian options upon request, particularly at tourist-friendly establishments. Furthermore, the consumption of pork is prohibited in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.