Skardu Fort, also known as Kharpocho Fort, commands a view that overlooks the vast valley of Skardu, in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The region's food history is rich and influenced by Central Asian, Tibetan, and South Asian cuisines. Although not historically documented in detail, the indigenous Balti culture has a distinct cuisine that reflects the harsh climatic conditions and the ingenuity of the local people in utilizing what is available in their land. The traditional cuisine primarily consists of meat-based dishes, particularly those sourced from livestock such as sheep and yak. However, in recent years, vegetarian options have become more common due to the increasing number of tourists.
Address: Airport Road, Skardu
Famous Dish: Apricot Curry (Non-Veg) - A subtle blend of apricots and chicken, melding sweet and savory notes.
Address: Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Skardu
Famous Dish: Mutton Saji (Non-Veg) - Slow-roasted mutton, a special local delicacy.
Address: Hussainabad, Skardu
Famous Dish: Vegetable Biryani (Veg) - Aromatic rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables and traditional spices.
Address: Lower Kachura Lake, Skardu
Famous Dish: Grilled Trout (Non-Veg) - Freshly caught and grilled to perfection, served with local herbs.
Address: Sadpara Road, Skardu
Famous Dish: Veggie Noodle Soup (Veg) - Hearty noodle soup loaded with fresh vegetables and seasoned with herbs.
While Skardu's cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian due to the local preference for meat-based dishes, many restaurants are now offering vegetarian options to cater to tourists with different dietary choices.