If you love traveling and food, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) must be on your bucket list. From stunning mountain peaks to serene desserts and from lush greenery to calm rivers, GB is heaven on earth, and there is no doubt about it.
Speaking about geology, GB is largely a high-mountain desert, and it spreads over three high mountain systems: Himalaya, Karakorum, and Hindukush.
The region is famous for its rich culture, natural beauty, hospital residents, vibrant culture, and delicious food.
Encompassing popular cities and towns like Skardu, Shigar, Gilgit, Hunza, Astore, and more, GB offers a wide range of cuisines from multiple regions, and here are our top picks of the most delicious dishes to try out.
Local Dishes of Gilgit Baltistan
Below are some well-known dishes in Gilgit Baltistan that every visitor should try out.
- Chapshuro
- Gyaling/Go-lee
- Buros Shapik
- Diram Pitti
- Tumoro Tea
- Hoilo Garma
- Harisa
- Molida
- Shopen
- Gittey
Now we will explore each dish in GB, one by one.
1. Chapshuro
Chapshoro, a delectable cuisine from Gilgit-Baltistan, is a must-try in Hunza. It is made with beef, mutton, or chicken mince, along with onion, veggies, spices, plain flour, water, tomato, and cooking oil.
You can pair it with chatni, raita, salad, or ketchup and refreshing soft drinks.
Home-cooked Chapshoro is more elaborate, often baked in traditional ovens, giving it an authentic touch.
Don’t miss this culinary gem in Hunza, a taste of Gilgit-Baltistan’s heritage.
Where to Find It?
You can try out the famous Chapshuro in the following places:
| Restaurant/Cafe | Location |
| Hunza Food Pavilion by Laal Shehzadi | Hunza, Kareemabad, Gilgit-Baltistan |
| Thol Nala Zero Point | Close to Rakaposhi view point, Hunza |
2. Gyaling/Go-lee
Gilgit-Baltistan offers the delightful “Go-lee,” a vitamin B-17 enriched flatbread with butter, perfect for breakfast with salted tea and is cherished with apricot oil or butter.
Enjoy Gyaling/Gral with Hunza-style namkeen or herbal chai for a satisfying breakfast before embarking on Pakistan’s adventures.
Discover these mouthwatering dishes in Gilgit-Baltistan to experience its rich culinary traditions.
Where to Find It?
| Restaurant/Cafe | Location |
| Khunjerab Cafe | Khunjerab Cafe, Gilgit |
3. Buros Shapik
Buro Shapik, a delightful Hunza cuisine, is a must-try when visiting the region. Wheat chapatis are pan-fried, cut into triangles, and filled with a delectable yogurt-cheese mixture from local cows.
Coriander, mint, onions, and occasionally apricot oil add to the unique flavor.
Some variations include nuts inside and on top, enhancing the taste even further. This dish offers a truly special culinary experience that you won’t find easily elsewhere. Don’t miss the chance to savor Buro Shapik while exploring the wonders of Hunza.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes in Hunza and Gilgit.
4. Diram Pitti
In Hunza, where most people work in the fields and need high-energy food, Diram Pitti is a popular and exceptional breakfast choice.
This bread is made from sprouted wheat flour, giving it a natural sweetness. It’s commonly served with butter, almond, or apricot oil, making it a delicious and nutritious option for the locals.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants.
5. Tumoro Tea
Tumoro Tea, a soothing and invigorating drink, is a common favorite in every household in Gilgit Baltistan.
The tea plant grows near Nagar Valley, and locals skillfully craft a delicious herbal tea from its leaves, making it a delightful complement to any meal.
Beyond its delightful taste, Tumoro Tea is renowned for its medicinal properties. It is used by locals to alleviate the common cold and headaches.
Additionally, the tea is believed to have calming effects, beneficial for managing nerves and reducing anxiety.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes.
6. Hoilo Garma
Hoilo Garma is one of the favorite food items in Hunza Valley, and I’m sure you’ll love it.
This delicious and nutritious dish is made from organic flour dough mixed with locally grown spinach and aloo (potatoes). The unique taste is akin to an Alfredo pasta dish, offering a delightful surprise.
What sets Hoilo Garma apart is the addition of chopped apricot seeds, lending a cheesy flavor without using any actual cheese.
If you’re traveling to Pakistan from abroad and craving some Western eats, Hoilo Garma is a must-try dish that won’t disappoint!
Where to Find It?
| Restaurant/Cafe | Location |
| Hunza Food Pavilion by Laal Shehzadi | Hunza, Ali Abad, Gilgit-Baltistan |
7. Harisa
Harisa, a renowned dish in Hunza, is a delightful combination of wheat, boiled meat, and local oil.
Sometimes butter or dry apricot seeds are used as oil in the preparation. The dish stands out for its exceptional taste, easy digestibility, and protein-rich content.
It is typically served on special occasions, including wedding functions.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes.
8. Molida
Molida is a uniquely delicious dish popular in the Gojal Valley and frequently featured at festivals in Wakhi culture.
Made with yogurt, flatbread, and apricot oil, it holds a special place in wedding events.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes.
9. Shopen
Shopan is a delicious regional food item in Gilgit-Baltistan. It is made with the stomach of sheep or goat or minced meat, along with flour, salt, red chili, coriander, onion, mint, water, salt, and oil.
The meat is often marinated with vinegar or lemon juice to remove any strong smell. It is commonly served with rice or wheat bread.
This traditional dish is specially prepared on the occasion of Nasalo/Nos, which is the death celebration of the cannibal king, Shari Badat.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes at Hunza and Giglit.
10. Gittey
Gittey, also known as Git, is a traditional dish similar to sausages and is prepared using animal intestines filled with a mixture of wheat flour, buckwheat flour, salt, crushed red chili, coriander, mint powder, onion, water, and oil.
The intestines are thoroughly washed before being filled with the mixture. Cooking time usually takes around 45 minutes, and Gittey is often served with soup.
This special dish is made during Nasalo, a traditional celebration, and it is preserved to be enjoyed on chilly winter days, especially during Baw-no.
Where to Find It?
You will find the dish at multiple small and mid-level restaurants and cafes in Gilgit.
Food in Gilgit Baltistan Awaits You!
So that’s a wrap on our list of local dishes to try out in Gilgit Baltistan. If you have tried any of the above dishes, do let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Want to see more food-related content on restaurants, cafes, and street food? Check out the BlogPakistan site for more!
