Eating vegan food in Pakistan – it does exist!

If you’re a vegan travelelr considering a trip to Pakistan, you might be wondering: Will I be able to find vegan food there? Before my visit, I had the same concern. Friends warned me that even when they ordered vegetarian dishes in Pakistan, they sometimes found unexpected bits of meat floating in it —an issue I’ve encountered in many places, including Europe. For some reason, many chefs worldwide don’t fully grasp the concept of preparing dishes without animal products.

Although I’m not strictly vegan, I prefer a plant-based diet when travelling, as it’s often the safest choice for avoiding stomach troubles. Luckily, despite Pakistan’s reputation as a meat-loving nation, I discovered an incredible variety of vegan-friendly dishes—especially in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, where local specialties are naturally plant-based. Even if you don’t see vegan options on the menu, Pakistan’s legendary hospitality means someone will likely be happy to cook a meal tailored to your needs, just ask!

So, if you’re heading to Pakistan and wondering what you can eat as a non-meat eater, here’s a roundup of the most delicious plant-based dishes I discovered…

Visiting Hunza Food Pavilion, female run kitchen

You can’t visit Hunza Valley without stopping for a meal at Hunza Food Pavilion. The restaurant’s name doesn’t sound particularly appealing but don’t be fooled. HFP is a female-run restaurant that serves regional dishes, many of which I had never heard of and that you’re likely to find anywhere else. Unless you’re going to someone’s home.

There are photos and descriptions of all the dishes and seating is on a floor on a roof terrace with jaw-dropping views. Vegan and veggie options are aplenty including versions of dishes that may otherwise contain meat. Fave dishes here were Hoi Lo Gama a warming spinach pasta dish with huge pasta pieces a bit like lasagne sheets. Chap Sharo a cross between a filled bread, a pizza and a pie was also very good.

Vegan cookery class at Hiraya Eco Resort

I spent three memorable nights at Hiraya Eco Resort, where my mornings began with a nourishing breakfast of rajma—a rich, spiced red kidney bean curry paired with a refreshing lime and mint drink. It was the perfect way to start the day, and even now, I find myself craving it.

One evening, the resort hosted a BBQ night, where the vegetarian options included delicious skewered vegetables, grilled to perfection. But the highlight of my stay was a cooking class with two local women who introduced us to traditional regional dishes. Many of the recipes mirrored the flavours I had tried at Hunza Food Pavilion, all made with fresh, organic, and entirely vegan ingredients.

The cooking class itself was a magical experience, a whole afternoon of hands-on cooking, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop under a clear, sunny sky. Each of us took part in preparing different dishes, turning the session into a collaborative feast of food and culture.

We cooked up:

Hoi Lo Gama – the spinach pasta dish

Veg Mamtu – steamed dumpings

Hamamo Gayling – dense spinach pancakes made with apricot oil

I’m a big fan of doing cookery classes when I’m abroad as the food always tastes so different to what is offered at restaurants, capturing home-cooked flavours. I love the chance to try ingredients i might otherwise not try. This cookery class was a such a surprise and it was rewarding to support local women doing it. Contact Hiraya Eco Resort to arrange a class in Hunza.

Vegan street food in Pakistan

Karachi is known as the food capital of Pakistan, sadly on my trip there I didn’t go but I’ve heard it has great street food. I did have vegan street food in Lahore though – channa chaat on multiple occasions. It’s cheap, hot and convenient and is essentially a vegetable samosa smothered in chickpea curry. Highly recommend it for snacks on the go.

Vegan dishes to try in Pakistan

Here are some more regular vegan dishes you’ll find all over the country, some you may be familiar. But even if you’ve had another version, Pakistani food though may sound similar to Indian, tastes different so don’t miss the chance to try authentic dishes in Pakistan.

1. Daal (lentils)

A staple across Pakistan, daal is a simple, wholesome dish made from lentils, spices, and sometimes tomatoes. It’s typically served with rice or roti. Confession, Pakistani dhal is my favourite type of dhaal, I prefer it’s simplicity and the fact it’s like comfort food.

2. Chana Masala (spiced chickpeas)

A hearty and protein-packed dish made from chickpeas cooked in a tomato-based gravy with aromatic spices. Again, a common dish in South Asian cuisine and one I make alot at home, it will be a live saver for you in Pakistan. In places that have large meat menus they probably will still have channa.

3. Aloo Bhujia (spiced potatoes)

Thinly sliced potatoes stir-fried with turmeric, cumin, and green chilies—a popular comfort food, just like most potato dishes are!

4. Sarson Ka Saag (mustard greens)

A Punjabi specialty made with mustard greens, spinach, and fenugreek, traditionally served with cornmeal roti, great for a light lunch.

5. Rajma (kidney beans)

I ate this for breakfast every morning at Hiraya Eco Resort, it tasted clean, satisfying and gets you set for the day.

6. Bhindi (0kra)

I’m a huge fan of okra. Some don’t like its slimey consistency but that’s just overcooked. A Bhindi curry is usually cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices and is a satisfying naturally vegan option.

7. Baingan bharta (mashed eggplant)

Bhorta is a staple in Bangladesh where my family is from. A bhora is a mash and it can be made from anything just mashed up. The Pakistani version is a bit like a baba ganoush, made by roasting eggplants and mashing them with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. Serve with rice or bread.

8. Sindhi kadhi

A tangy and spicy gram flour-based curry from Sindh, often cooked with vegetables like drumsticks, okra, and potatoes. I find drumsticks difficult to eat they’re very stringey!

9. Dried apricot soup (From Hunza Valley)

A unique dish from the Hunza region, this soup is made with dried apricots, creating a naturally sweet and nourishing meal. It’s not the only apricot dish you’ll come across you may dishes cooked in apricot oil and then there’s also delicious apricots too.

10. Roti with chutneys

Many Pakistani chutneys like tamarind, mint, or mango chutney are naturally vegan and pair well with fresh roti or paratha and this is the best quick snack…in fact I’m off to eat some now!

I hope you found these suggestions useful. Happy eating on your travels in Pakistan!