Must-Try Foods In Karimabad (Hunza) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Karimabad, Hunza, Pakistan

Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, Karimabad is a town in the Hunza valley renowned for its enchanting beauty and unique culture, which is reflected in its traditional cuisine. The food history of Karimabad is deeply intertwined with its geographical location and cultural heritage. With influences from Central and South Asia, the traditional dishes use locally grown produce, including various types of grains, fruits, and vegetables, cultivated in the terraced fields and orchards of the valley.

Due to the harsh winters and the self-sufficient nature of the people, a lot of traditional Hunza food is based on preserved items like dried fruits and vegetables, as well as grains and legumes. Apricots, in particular, are a staple in the Hunzai diet, often dried and used in various dishes, or pressed into oil used for cooking. Because of religious beliefs and geographical constraints, the inhabitants of Hunza have historically consumed limited amounts of meat, which is in line with the essence of their primarily plant-based diet.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Karimabad, Hunza

1. Chapshoro (Non-Veg) – A savory pastry filled with minced meat (except cow meat), onions, and local spices, cooked over a flat pan.
2. Dawdoo (Veg) – A nutritious soup made from homemade whole wheat noodles and locally grown vegetables.
3. Diram Fitti (Veg) – A traditional breakfast dish made from buckwheat bread served with apricot oil.
4. Gir Giray/Gyal (Veg) – A pancake-like bread made from whole wheat, typically served with tea.
5. Mulida (Veg) – A sweetened concoction of whole wheat bread crumbs mixed with herbs and butter or apricot oil.
6. Hoi Lo Garma (Veg) – A salad made from sprouted wheat grains mixed with a variety of fresh vegetables.
7. Harissa (Non-Veg) – Although not indigenous, but popular in the area, it is a slow-cooked porridge of wheat and chicken or other meats.
8. Berikutz (Veg) – A dumpling made of whole wheat dough filled with a mixture of chilgoza pine nuts and walnuts.
9. Shuoto (Veg) – A summertime cold pasta dish made from wheat noodles served with a refreshing tomato and walnut sauce.
10. Yak Butter Tea – A traditional buttery and salty tea which is an acquired taste for many travelers but intrinsic to the local cuisine.

Top Famous Restaurants in Karimabad, Hunza with Famous Food

• Café de Hunza
  Address: Karimabad, Hunza
  Famous for: Walnut Cake (Veg), A delicious baked treat made from locally sourced walnuts.
• Hidden Paradise
  Address: Karimabad, Hunza
  Famous for: Diram Fitti (Veg), Served with locally produced apricot oil for a truly Hunzai breakfast experience.
• Eagle's Nest Hotel
  Address: Duikar, Hunza Valley
  Famous for: Harissa (Non-Veg), A warming dish perfect for the chilly mountain evenings.
• Mountain Cup Coffee Shop and Grill
  Address: Karimabad, Hunza
  Famous for: Their variety of coffees and Chapshoro (Non-Veg), giving patrons a taste of local flavors alongside modern beverages.