As the crescent moon ushers in Ramadan across Pakistan, the nation’s kitchens are buzzing with aromas that signal the arrival of Iftar, the much-anticipated meal that breaks the day-long fast. From bustling bazaars to quiet homes, food unites families and friends in a celebration of faith and flavor. This year, we’ve uncovered the six dishes reigning supreme as Pakistan’s Ramadan favorites, each with its own story of tradition, taste, and triumph. Here’s the scoop on what’s sizzling in 2025!
1. Pakoras: The Crunch Heard ‘Round the Country
In a surprising twist this Ramadan, pakoras have sparked a friendly rivalry among cities, with Lahore claiming its potato-packed version reigns supreme, while Karachi swears by its spicy onion twist. “It’s not Iftar without that golden crunch,” says Ayesha Khan, a home cook from Islamabad, who’s added a modern twist with air-fried pakoras for health-conscious fasters. Paired with mint chutney, these fritters remain the undisputed king of the Iftar table.
2. Samosas: The Folded Feast That Never Folds
Samosas are having a moment in 2025, with street vendors reporting a 30% spike in demand for meat-filled varieties. In Peshawar, vendors like Malik Ahmed have introduced a “Ramadan Special” chicken samosa with a secret spice blend that’s got locals lining up before sunset. “It’s the perfect bite after a long fast—crisp outside, juicy inside,” Ahmed boasts. Whether potato or keema, samosas are folding their way into every heart this season.
3. Dahi Bhalla: The Cool Contender
Amid the heat of March, dahi bhalla is cooling things down with its yogurt-soaked lentil dumplings and zesty toppings. In Multan, a local chaat stall has gone viral for its “Bhalla Bonanza,” layering extra tamarind chutney and crispy sev for texture. “It’s light but fills you up just right,” says regular customer Fatima Riaz. This dish is proving that creamy and tangy can steal the show even among fried favorites.
4. Fruit Chaat: The Sweet-Spicy Sensation
Fruit chaat is making waves this Ramadan with a trendy twist: vendors in Rawalpindi are tossing in exotic additions like kiwi and dragon fruit alongside classics like guava and banana. “It’s a burst of energy after fasting,” says nutritionist Dr. Sana Mehmood, who praises its hydrating qualities. Sprinkled with chaat masala and a squeeze of citrus, this dish is the season’s guilt-free star.
5. Rooh Afza Sharbat: The Pink Potion of Power
No Ramadan is complete without Rooh Afza, and in 2025, the iconic rose syrup is seeing a revival with millennials mixing it into milkshakes and mocktails. “It’s nostalgia in a glass,” says 24-year-old Hina Syed from Faisalabad, who’s been experimenting with a Rooh Afza-lemon fizz. Sales of the syrup have soared, with shops reporting empty shelves by mid-month—proof that this pink drink is still Pakistan’s Iftar MVP.
6. Chana Chaat: The Chickpea Champion
Chana chaat is staging a comeback this Ramadan, with food bloggers calling it the “ultimate Iftar hack” for its quick prep and bold flavors. In Quetta, a roadside stall has gained fame for its fiery version, loaded with green chilies and a secret chaat masala blend. “It’s cheap, fast, and hits all the right spots,” says truck driver Bilal Hassan, a daily customer. This humble chickpea dish is proving it can stand tall among the heavy hitters.
A Feast for the Ages
As Ramadan 2025 unfolds, these six dishes are more than just food—they’re a testament to Pakistan’s culinary soul, blending tradition with innovation. From the sizzle of pakoras to the soothing sip of Rooh Afza, each bite and gulp tells a story of community, resilience, and joy. So, as the call to prayer echoes tonight, which of these will grace your Iftar plate? In Pakistan, the answer is simple: why choose just one?
