Food In Skardu

Food History of Skardu, Pakistan

Skardu, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is adorned with spectacular landscapes and a rich cultural heritage that extends to its cuisine. The food here has been influenced by Central Asian, Tibetan, and Indian culinary techniques, reflecting the diverse ethnic groups that call this region home. Traditional Skardu cuisine is known for its hearty ingredients suited to the cold climate, with an emphasis on barley, wheat, local vegetables, and a variety of meats, excluding cow which is not commonly consumed due to religious and cultural reasons. Dairy products, particularly butter and cheese, play a significant role in the everyday diet.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Skardu

1. Mamtu (Non-Veg) - A Central Asian delicacy, Mamtu are dumplings stuffed with minced meat, onions, and spices, steamed or sometimes boiled, providing a warm and hearty experience.
2. Skyu (Veg / Non-Veg option) - A traditional pasta-like dish made with wheat dough and typically mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat, integral to the Ladakhi cuisine which is popular in Skardu.
3. Chapshoro (Non-Veg) - A savory meat pie that comes filled with a flavorful mix of minced meat other than beef (usually chicken or yak), onions, and local herbs, cooked on a flat pan.
4. Markhor Tea (Veg) - Despite its name, this is a herbal tea made with a blend of local herbs and is completely vegetarian. It is known for its soothing and medicinal properties.
5. Diram Fitti (Veg) - A traditional breakfast dish, it's made from sprouted wheat flour mixed with butter and sugar, offering a simple yet energizing start to the day.
6. Butter Tea (Veg) - Also known as 'Gur Gur' tea, this unique beverage combines tea, butter, and salt, and is an essential part of daily life in Skardu, especially during the cold months.
7. Apricot Cake (Veg) - Apricots are abundant in Gilgit-Baltistan, and the locals have crafted this sweet and nutritious cake that is a treat for the taste buds.
8. Harissa (Non-Veg) - Although traditionally made with meat, Harissa in Skardu might be prepared with chicken instead of beef, consisting of slow-cooked wheat, lentils, and shredded meat, heavily seasoned.
9. Gyal (Veg) - A type of pancake prepared with barley flour, served with butter and local apricot oil, offering a taste distinctive to the Skardu region.
10. Tsampa (Veg) - Another Tibetan staple adopted in Skardu, Tsampa is roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea or water to form a dough, eaten as a convenient, hearty meal.

Top Restaurants in Skardu

• Concordia II - Address: Airport Road, Skardu
  Famous for: Chapshoro (Non-Veg) and Skyu (Veg / Non-Veg option)
• Dewaan-E-Khaas - Address: Airport Road, Skardu
  Famous for: Mamtu (Non-Veg) and Gyal (Veg)
• One-0-One Pizza & Fast Food Restaurant - Address: Hussainabad Link Rd, Skardu
  Famous for: Unique regional twists on standard fast food offerings, with vegetarian options available.
• Shangrila Resort Restaurant - Address: Shangrila Resort, Skardu
  Famous for: Offering a blend of traditional and international cuisine with stunning views, including Diram Fitti (Veg) and Apricot Cake (Veg).
• Mountain Lodge - Address: Sadpara Road, Skardu
  Famous for: Local delicacies with both vegetarian and chicken-based dishes (Non-Veg) in a traditional setup.