Food In Baltit Fort

Food History of Baltit Fort, Hunza, Pakistan

Baltit Fort is a historical monument located in Hunza valley, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The fort itself is over 700 years old and reflects the architectural legacy influenced by Tibetan, Persian, and Central Asian arts. Tradition and culture have deeply woven themselves into the food practices of this region. Hunza's cuisine has been shaped by the harsh, mountainous landscape and the need for sustenance throughout the difficult winters. The people of Hunza are known for their long life expectancies, which many attribute to their healthy diet, rich in stone-ground whole wheat, grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

There is a notable absence of industrially processed foods, and the concept of farm-to-table is not just a trend but a centuries-old way of life. The traditional food of Hunza is organically produced and often includes various apricot-based dishes, as the region is known for its apricot orchards. Apricots are dried and used in various forms, such as making oil or as a natural sweetener in desserts.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Baltit Fort, Hunza, for Tourists

1. Chapshuro (Non-Veg) - Often referred to as the Hunza Pizza, it is a type of pie filled with minced meat and local herbs.
2. Harissa (Non-Veg) - A warming, porridge-like dish made with wheat, barley, and chicken simmered together for hours.
3. Apricot Cake (Veg) - A sweet and nutritious dessert made from dried apricots puree, walnuts, and local whole grain flour.
4. Mulgogi (Non-Veg) - A soup prepared with wheat noodles and meat, often enjoyed in winter to keep warm.
5. Gyal (Veg) - Flatbread that accompanies many meals; it is wholesome and made from various stone-ground grains.
6. Dawdoo (Veg) - A soup-like dish made with homemade noodles and assortments of fresh vegetables, common during summer.
7. Girgle (Non-Veg) - Fried trout, as fish is a dietary staple of Hunza, especially the trout found in the streams of the region.
8. Diram Fitti (Veg) - A traditional breakfast food, consisting of sprouted wheat dough baked with apricot oil.
9. Mamtu (Non-Veg) - Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, onions and local spices, similar to Central Asian momo.
10. Butter Tea (Veg) - A salty tea prepared with butter, sometimes with added milk; the local favorite to start off the morning.

Top Famous Restaurants in Baltit Fort, Hunza

• Café de Hunza
  Address: Karimabad, Hunza
  Famous for: Walnut Cake (Veg) - A rich dessert that is a must-try for anyone visiting Hunza.
• Hidden Paradise Hunza
  Address: Aliabad, Hunza
  Famous for: Yak Burger (Non-Veg) - A local spin on classic burgers using yak meat, a unique offering of the region.
• Eagle’s Nest Hotel
  Address: Duikar, Altit, Hunza
  Famous for: Traditional Hunza Thali (Mixed) - A platter combining various vegetarian and non-vegetarian local dishes to give tourists a taste of Hunza's culinary diversity.