Street foods are not just eatables that you catch a glimpse of on the streets as you explore a city. It is rather a culture, a tradition, a legacy. It’s a heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Likewise, street food in Peshawar retells a narrative of its own. Whether it is inside the city environs or Saddar Bazar, the food street in Hayatabad, or tiny shops in the hubs of the university lane, you are bound to discover a massive variety of food that holds a particular place in the hearts of the locals and the memoirs of the tourists.
Peshawar, a city that has stood strong in the face of adversities since 549 BC, is famous for food, tourism and distinct heritage. The considerably significant aspect of the city, apart from its culture, values, and archaic history, is the food. Peshawar city has some great savors to cater to nearly every type of taste bud. Whether it is sweet or savory, spicy or tangy, the old narrow streets of this city will never leave you disappointed.
For instance, Siri Paye, halwa puri, seekh tikka, kachalu pera and faluda are some of the vast variety of appetizing street foods in Peshawar that will certainly leave you satisfied and contended.
1. Siri Paye:
Siri paye is a buffalo foot stew cooked for hours in loads of oil and innumerable spices until the meat is separable from the bone. There are considerably well-known spots for siri paye in Peshawar city and Peshawar saddar. For instance, “Haji Ahmed’s Siri Paye” is a well known spot throughout the city. The forte runs in the family as Haji Ahmed is the 5th generation, proceeding with the legacy of his forefathers.
Moreover, “Nikkay k Paanchay” in Peshawar is a thing worth making an effort for. To get your hands on this specialty of Peshawar before they are all taken down, you have to go as early as 7 in the morning. Siri paye is usually eaten for breakfast. The verve that it provides to fuel the body, especially during the winter season, makes it an ideal beginning of the day.
2. Halwa Puri and cholay
Halwa Puri and cholay carry an inevitable significance when it comes to Peshawri street food. The tempting semolina halwa and the delectable cholay immersed in a tangy gravy that goes utterly well with freshly made puris, instantly satiates the taste buds. In some households, this soul-satisfying treat is a must for breakfast every weekend without fail.
“Peshawari Halwa Puri” in Chowk Nasar Khan, Peshawar is favored for its expertise in this particular delicacy.
3. Seekh Tikka
When roaming the streets of Peshawar, you will find many streetside spots where these mouthwatering tikkas are served in skewers. Of the many spots in Peshawar, Ashraf road remains at the top of the list when the urge to satisfy the craving for some spicy tikka boti kicks in.
Marinated in a perfect mix of spices, small chunks of beef are barbequed to perfection. These tikkas are served with chutney, naan and lassi. Not only are they delicious, but they are light on the budget too.
4. Kachalu Pera
Immersed in deep flavourful spices, vinegar, mint leaves, and tamarind paste, kachalu pera is a must-have when in Peshawar. As enticing as it sounds, “Kharu kachalu pera” is parallel to none when it comes to street food.
Kachalu (taro root) is boiled until tender, peeled, and cut. A mixture of mint, red chili powder, tamarind paste, and vinegar is drizzled over the tender taro root that bursts thousands of flavors into the mouth as soon as you take the first bite.
5. Kulfi Falooda
Falooda is a Mughlai Indian version of a cold dessert that is served with kulfi and vermicelli. The historical site of Peshawar, Chowk Yadgar, is the haven for the most delicious, authentic, and traditional Falooda. For instance, “Yadgari Falooda”, made in 1962, is vastly visited all year round, especially during the summers. It is a perfect amalgamation of cold and sweet that never fails to strike the right chord.
In The End . . .
The richly flavoured street food in Peshawar is not only diverse but is easily accessible and pocket friendly too. The sizzling sounds and the captivating aroma will leave you drooling over these delicacies as you roam around the city.