Nihari

Nihari is considered the national dish of Pakistan, representing the confluence of migration, integration, and evolution of regional flavours. Nihari originates from the word "nihar" meaning morning in Arabic/Urdu, as it was traditionally eaten at dawn. The dish emerged in the late 18th century in the Mughal empire. Originally, nihari was a breakfast dish for Nawabs (nobility), prepared overnight and simmered for hours in large pots. Working-class labourers would eat it in the early morning for sustained energy throughout the day, particularly during cold winters.

After the partition of India in 1947, the dish evolved in different Pakistani regions – the Karachi style became spicier, Lahori version often includes more marrow, Hyderabad's version uses extra spices and Peshawar adapted it with different meat cuts. It's particularly popular during Ramadan for Sehri (pre-dawn meal) and is a staple at Pakistani weddings and celebrations. Traditional Nihari shops still cook the dish overnight in large handis (pots), often selling out by mid-morning.