Urak Valley, located near Quetta, is known for its lush landscapes, picturesque orchards, and a pleasant climate. The traditional cuisine of this area reflects the amalgamation of various cultural influences from Afghan, Persian, and South Asian gastronomic practices. The local food is largely inspired by the simple lifestyle of the inhabitants and the agricultural produce of the region. Due to the predominantly Muslim population, the traditional cuisine consists mostly of halal dishes which are based on meat, with the exception of pork and alcohol, which are prohibited in Islam. Vegetarian dishes, although less common than meat-based dishes, are also found and are often seasoned with a range of spices, reflective of the region's trade history and connections to the Silk Road.
1. Kabuli Pulao (Non-Veg) - A festive dish made with rice, carrots, raisins and cooked with succulent pieces of lamb or chicken.
2. Trout Fish (Non-Veg) - Freshwater trout, often from the nearby Hanna Lake, is grilled or fried and seasoned with local herbs and spices.
3. Mutton Sajji (Non-Veg) - A traditional Balochi dish where the whole lamb is marinated, skewered, and slow-cooked to perfection.
4. Kaak (Veg) - A traditional hard bread, typically enjoyed with tea, it's made with wheat flour and often seasoned with cumin.
5. Chapli Kebab (Non-Veg) - A spicy, tangy flattened kebab made from minced meat, usually beef or chicken, mixed with various herbs and spices.
6. Dampukht (Non-Veg) - A steamed meat dish, where meat is slow-cooked with minimal spices to allow the natural flavors to shine through.
7. Roghani Naan (Veg) - A soft and buttery flatbread, perfect accompaniment to many of the meat-based dishes.
8. Bharela Kaddo (Veg) - Stuffed pumpkin dish seasoned with traditional spices and sometimes filled with rice.
9. Spinach Paneer (Veg) - A vegetarian delight, combining spinach with homemade cheese in a mild curry sauce.
10. Mixed Vegetable Curry (Veg) - A blend of seasonal vegetables cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, offering a lighter alternative to the region's meat-heavy dishes.
Usmania Restaurant
Stewart Rd, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Mutton Karahi (Non-Veg)
Glen's Urban Cafe
Shahbaz Town, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Fish and Chips (Non-Veg)
Green Hotel Restaurant
Zarghoon Rd, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Chicken Sajji (Non-Veg)
Levies Cafe
Jinnah Rd, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Pakora (Snack; Veg)
Cafe China
Qandahari Bazar, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Vegetable Chow Mein (Veg)
Lal Kabab
Suraj Ganj Bazar, Quetta, Balochistan, PakistanFamous Food: Chicken Tikka (Non-Veg)
The restaurants mentioned might not exactly be located within the Urak Valley, but all are situated in Quetta and offer a variety of traditional and non-traditional dishes that tourists can enjoy visiting from Urak Valley.